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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA0}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 008 OF 2002
\par (Suva MC Traffic Case No. 11581 of 2001)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502\charrsid14635502 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Appellant
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 DALIP KUMAR
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502\charrsid14635502 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 22}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 nd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502  May 2002
\par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 24}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 th}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502  May 2002
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Mr W. Kuruisaqila for Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Mr M. Raza for Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502\charrsid14635502 JUDGMENT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502\charrsid14635502 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 This is an appeal by the State against the acquittal of the Respondent on the following charge:
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 DANGEROUS DRIVING:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
 Contrary to Section 98 and 114 of the Land Transport Act No. 35 of 1998.
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 DALIP KUMAR SINGH s/o HAZARA SINGH, on the 3}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 rd}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
 day of February, 2001 at Nasinu in the Central Division, drove a bus on Kings Road 8 miles in a manner which was dangerous to the public having regards to all the circumstances of the case.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
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\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 On the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s plea of not guilty, the trial proceeded on 16}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
 January 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The prosecution called four witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 PW1 was Bashir Khan, who said that he was driving his van from Vuci to Suva, when at 8 miles he saw a bus overtaking two cars and two islands coming from Suva.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He tried to swerve but there was traffic on the left lane.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He tried to turn between two islands in the middle of the road but there was a collision with the bus, causing damage to Mr Khan}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s van on the passenger side.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He received injury to his left leg and he was in hospital for 10 to 11 days.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He said he had been travelling at 60kmph uphill.
\par 
\par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 examination, he agreed that it had been raining heavily that night, that he was driving in the right }{
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
 lane, and that his statement to the police did not mention traffic in the left lane or of the bus overtaking two islands.
\par 
\par PW2 was Nakita Khan, Mr Khan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s wife.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 She was in his van when the accident occurred.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 She said she saw the Dee Cees bus overtaking two vehicles coming onto the island.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 She said that her husband tried to go into the islands but the bus came straight at them and collided with the passenger side of the van.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 She also received injuries to her leg and head.
\par 
\par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 examination she said she had discussed the case with her husband, and did not notice the speed at which he was driving.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 PW3 was Police Constable Wate of Nasinu Police Station who attended the scene of the accident.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Neither driver was at the scene.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He drew the sketch plans which show the position of the two vehicles after the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Both vehicles are shown as parked near the bus bay at angles to each other.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The van was severely damaged.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The bus was not damaged.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He identified the Respondent as the driver of the bus, whom he had later caused to be interviewed by Police Constable Chetty.
\par 
\par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
examination, he agreed that he did not know the length and width of the islands, or the point of impact, or any broken glass on the road.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
He said that a traffic sign post on the island had been damaged in the accident.
\par 
\par Police Constable Chetty tendered the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s caution interview.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 In that interview the Respondent said:
\par 
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\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Whilst going just 8 miles on Kings Road, one red private car was in front.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Reaching at the junction of Kalokalo Crescent on Kings Road the front red car applied sudden brake as there was pool of water on the road.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 I also applied the brake but the bus pulled towards the right and climbed on the island.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 One van was coming from Nausori.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 I tried to save the head}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 -}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 on c
ollision so I turned to my left and the van also came towards me as a result we bumped each other.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par The Respondent gave sworn evidence after the close of the prosecution case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
His evidence was along the lines of his statement under caution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He denied driving at high speed.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate after summarising the evidence led, said at p.29:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 I listened very carefully to all Prosecution witnesses and to the accused who gave evidence on oath.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 There are doubts in my mind as to who is at fault.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The complainant}
{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
s vehicle was damaged on the left passenger side.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The two vehicles ended up at the bus bay on the lane leading for Nausori.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Was the complainant in his effort to avoid an accident, instead himself steered into the wrong lane?}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Doubts raised must go to the favour of the accused.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 I find the prosecution has not proved their case beyond reasonable doubt and I acquit the accused under section 215 of Criminal Procedure Code.}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par The State appeals against this acquittal saying that:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-709\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14635502 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 the weight of evidence was in favour of conviction;
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-709\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid14635502 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 the conclusions arrived at based on her analysis of the evidence before the court was clearly and plainly wrong.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par I deal with these grounds in turn.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The weight of the evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par 
\par Although there was no point of impact marked on the plan, or pointed out by either driver, there is really no dispute that the collision took place where neither vehicle was supposed to be.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The impact was either between the islands, or on island J where there was also a damaged traffic light post.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The comp
lainant agreed that he swerved off his lane to his right to avoid an accident when he saw the bus drive onto the island, and the Respondent agreed that he swerved onto the island to avoid colliding with the red car in front of him.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The driver of the red car was never traced or interviewed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
Given the lack of dispute as to these facts, the real question for the learned Magistrate was whether, in swerving onto the island, the Respondent had driven in a way which was below the standard expected of a prudent driver.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 She did not ask this question.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 However, if she had, it is unlikely that the result would have been any different from the result at the trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Assuming that the red car did exist, could the Respondent have stopped in time to avoid a collision?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Could a driver driving a bus at 40 kmph (as he told the police) have stopped in time to avoid a collision with a car which had braked suddenly?}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Was there any other option open to him other than going on the island?
\par 
\par On the evidence, it does not appear that the prosecution was able to prove lack of prudence, in these circumstances, beyond reasonable doubt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 It was not alleged by the prosecution that the red car never existed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
The Respondent denied that he was driving at a high speed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 He was not asked if the acciden
t had happened because he was overtaking another vehicle in addition to the islands.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
The complainant said this in his evidence, but said something different in his police statement.
\par 
\par Where then, was the element of fault?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 The prosecution might have been abl
e to prove that the Respondent was driving dangerously close to the red car, but no evidence was led about the exact position of the red car and the Respondent was never cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 -}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 examined about this possible element of fault.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 As to the complainant}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s evidence,
 the learned Magistrate had doubts about it, as she was entitled to have had, having heard the evidence herself.
\par 
\par In the circumstances, on the evidence on the court record, I do not consider the acquittal to be }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 against the weight of evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 This ground is dismissed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par 
\par Both counsel at the hearing of this appeal agreed that the judgment of the learned Magistrate lacked analysis.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
As I have already said, in respect of Ground (a), she also erred in failing to consider whether the Respondent had been at fault in respect of the manner of his driving.
\par 
\par However, she had doubts as to the cause of the accident, and, on the evidence it is not surprising that she did.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
With no evidence from the driver of the red car, a caution statement entirely consistent with the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 s sworn evidence, and an unhelpful sketch plan, her conclusion was logical and clearly indicated by the evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 There was no conclusive evidence that the Respondent was at fault, and thereby caused the accident.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 As such, this ground also fails.
\par 
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Conclusion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 
\par 
\par The decision of the learned Magistrate was justified by the nature of the evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 This appeal is wholly dismissed.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14635502 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 At Suva
\par 24}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10712162\charrsid14635502  May 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635502 
\par }}