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\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 0}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 056 OF 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 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{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 BHAWANI PRASAD \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 23rd August 2002 \par Judgment:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 30th August 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Ms J. Hamilton}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 White for State \par Mr T. Fa for Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 This is an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against the acquittals of the Respondent in respect of the following charges in the Magistrate}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s Court in Suva: \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 FIRST COUNT \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \fi-3600\li4320\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin4320\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 THREATENING VIOLENCE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 :\tab Contrary to section 103 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 BHAWANI PRASAD s/o Brij Mangal on the 28}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 day of October, 2001, at Nasinu in the Central Division, with intent to alarm UMESH MANI s/o Yenkat Sami, SHILA BELAS and BALAMMA d/o Nagaiya Reddy in the dwelling house, used threatening words and behaviour. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 AMENDED CHARGE \par }\pard \ql 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\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Particulars of Offence}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 BHAWANI PRASAD s/o Brij Mangal and Others, on the 28}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 day of October 2001, at Nasinu in the Central Division, wilfully and unlawfully damaged door glass valued at $50 the property of UMESH MANI s/o Yenkat Sami. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Facts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par The charges were laid on the 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of November 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The case was first called on the same day.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Respondent pleaded not guilty and asked for an early trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The prosecution asked for trial on 14}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 November 2001 and the case was adjourned to that date.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 On the 14}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of November, counsel for the Respondent asked for the Respondent to sit with him at the bar table }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 so that he could be properly instructed as the trial progresses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The prosecution objected, saying the dock was for accused persons, and that the accused should already have instructed counsel.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The application was allowed on the ground that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 fairness requires that the accused access to his counsel be not jeopardised in any form whatsoever.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The trial commenced with the complainant Mr Umesh Mani.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In the course of his evidence, he said that the Respondent was a prosecutor.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 His evidence was that he lives at Lot 6, Kings Road, Valelevu and that the Respondent lives in the flat next door.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 On 28}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 October 2001, at 9pm Mr Mani and his friends were drinking beer on his porch.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 After 20 minutes his friends left.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He heard the Respondent banging on the wall between the flats, and heard the Respondent swearing.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Respondent told Mr Mani to come out into the porch.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 When they were in the porch, the Respondent asked his children to give him a knife.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He rubbed the knife on the concrete and said he would kill Mr Mani.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He then kicked the pot plants on the porch.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The plants were damaged, to the value of $50.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Mr Mani then heard the front door glass break.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He peeped through the louvres and saw the Respondent near the door and 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 50 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 feet behind it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He identified five pot plants, and some glass fragments he said were from his front door.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Mr Mani contacted the police at Valelevu.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The police came on three different occasions that night, from 9.30pm to 1am. \par \par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination Mr Mani said that he saw the Respondent kicking and stepping on the pot plants, damaging the plants.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that before the incident the glass on the door was already cracked and said he did not see who broke the door.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said the owner of the flat (and the door) was the landlord, one Mr Deo.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He denied swearing at the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s wife, and his daughter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said he had drank 5 to 6 bottles of beer that night. \par \par PW2 was Shila Belas, the wife of Mr Mani.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that she heard the Respondent swearing and challenging her husband to a fight.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said the police arrived before 10pm and spoke to the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 They then left.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Respondent said he would kill Mr Mani.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Then she heard a bang and the door glass of the front door, fell inside.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She did not see who broke the door. \par \par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination, she denied swearing at the Respondent, and said that the trouble that night started when the Respondent came home with 3 friends.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She heard them talking about the Respondent having previously arrested Mr Mani.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that Mr Mani was drunk that night and smelt of liquor.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that previously when Mr Mani was drunk and made a noise in the neighbourhood, the Respondent had told him to be quiet and that Mr Mani had been locked in a police cell until 1am.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She denied that Mr Mani had insulted the Respondent on the night of the 28}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of October, or that he banged on the wall.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that after the second visit by the police that night, the Respondent got a knife and said he would }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 kill and chop PW1.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par PW3 was Premila Singh, who lives near the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that on 28}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 October 2001, she heard noises and saw the Respondent throwing pot plants.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He was swearing at PW1, saying }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Mother Fucker! And Prostitute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said the Respondent was holding a long knife and telling PW1 to come outside.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He did not come out.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Two police officers arrived at 10.30pm.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She went to sleep at 11.45pm and later heard the sound of something breaking. \par \par Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination, Mrs Singh (noted on the court record as being evasive as a witness) said that she only witnessed the fight after 10.30pm.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that the knife she saw was 14.5 inches long with a 6 inch handle, 8 inches in width. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She said that PW1 and PW2 were her friends. \par \par PW4 was Timoci Ravuravu, another neighbour.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 On 28}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 October 2001 he saw the Respondent on his front porch and saw him move forward and strike PW1's door with a small object.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 There was a cracking sound.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He then heard the Respondent}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s daughter shouting at PW1, and saw his wife smashing the door with her hand.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He also saw the Res pondent and his daughter step on the pot plants.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination he said he saw the police visiting the house on 3 occasions that night.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that the Respondent pushed the grill door outside the front door, causing the glass to crack.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He was holding a small object in his hand but the crack had nothing to do with the small object.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said PW1 was his close friend. \par \par PW5, Madhu Lata is also a neighbour.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She was woken up by a disturbance at 10.30pm on the 28}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of October 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She saw the Respondent and PW1 swearing at each other.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She saw the police arrive and continued to hear sounds of shouting and banging. \par \par PW1's mother, Balamma, gave evidence next.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She heard the Respondent swearing and banging on the wall.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Her son called the police.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 After they left, the Respondent continued banging on the wall.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She saw the Respondent kicking the pot plants.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She saw the front door glass breaking.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She heard the Respondent saying }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Get the knife and I will chop the mother fucker.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination, she denied hearing PW1 swear at the Respondent. \par \par The next witness was PC Sitiveni Delai.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He attended a complaint at the Respondent}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s house at about 10pm on the 28}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of October 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that PW1 and the Respondent were swearing at each other in Hindi.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 At 10.40pm he returned to the house at the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s request.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He saw pot plants lying on the porch with the plants damaged. \par \par PC Setareki then gave evidence that he attended the complaint at 9.40pm.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He spoke to PW1 (Mr Mani) and told him that the Respondent had directed him to warn Mr Mani.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He asked PW6 (PW1's mother) to confine PW1 in the house.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He then left.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 At 10.15pm he came back to attend a report made by PW1.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He found 2 broken pot plants at the door, with others scattered over the porch.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He warned both parties to keep the peace and left the scene.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The court record then shows that PC Setareki and two other witnesses were warned to come to court on 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 January at 10.30am for hearing.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 At 11.05am, when the court re}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 convened, he was not present.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 A bench warrant was issued.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The trial continued with PW9, PC Lui Daurewa. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He attended a third report at the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s house at 12.40am.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 There, PW1 showed him the pot plants and the broken glass door. \par \par PW8 was then called and his evidence continued.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The record is silent on the manner in which he came to court, and any reason given for his failure to appear at 11.05am.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He was cross}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examined and said that PW1 was drunk that night and that his wife and mother wanted him controlled. \par \par The next witness was ASP Emosi Baleinuku.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He tendered the exhibits and the caution interview of the Respondent.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination that there was bad blood between Respondent and complainant because the complainant had suggested having sexual intercourse with the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s wife. \par \par The charge statement was tendered by Inspector Ram Jattan.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In both caution and charge statements, the Respondent denied the allegations and said that the complaint had been fabricated to discredit him and to cause his dismissal from the police force. \par \par The Magistrate found a prima facie case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Respondent gave evidence on oath.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that he was a senior police prosecutor, and had prosecuted for 16 years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Under cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination he said that PW1 had damaged the door.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He denied swearing at PW1 and his family, denied threatening to punch PW1, and denied having a knife with him on the night in question.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that all prosecution witnesses were lying because they were friends or relatives of PW1.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He denied kicking PW1's pot plants and said his daughter had kicked them. \par \par No witnesses were called for the defence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 After hearing submissions the Magistrate delivered his judgment on 11}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 January 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He rejected the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and accepted the evidence of the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He acquitted the Respondent on both counts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 At page 82 of the record he said }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s case will stand or fall on whether or not Umesh Mani}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s evidence is to be accepted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par The Director of Public Prosecutions appeals against the acquittals on the following grounds: \par \par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 1.\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 That the learned Magistrate failed to take into account certain material aspects of the prosecution evidence which remain uncontroverted. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 2.\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 That the conduct of the learned Magistrate during the course of the trial was such as to: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi-709\li2127\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2127\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 LISTNUM AutoList1 \\l 2}}{\fldrslt \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 a.}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \tab give rise to an apprehension of bias on his part, since he failed to consider the prosecution evidence; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi-709\li2127\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2127\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 LISTNUM AutoList1 \\l 2}}{\fldrslt \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 b.}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \tab give rise to an apprehension of him having prejudged the matter from the outset; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \fi-709\li2127\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin2127\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 LISTNUM AutoList1 \\l 2}}{\fldrslt \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 c.}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 deny the State Prosecutor any fair or reasonable opportunity to conduct the case for the State. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \fi-698\li1418\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1418\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 3.\tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 That in all the circumstances, the State was denied a fair trial before the learned Magistrate.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par The second ground, if successful will determine the outcome of this appeal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 For this reason I deal with the second ground first. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Bias}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par In support of the appeal, the State filed the following affidavits: \par \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Affidavit of Bhupendra Solanki dated 6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 February 2002; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Affidavit of Umesh Mani dated 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 July 2002; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Affidavit of Shila Belas dated 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 July 2002; \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s16 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard\plain \s16\ql \fi-1440\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel0\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Affidavit of PC 2122 Setareki Raisuni dated 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 nd}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 August 2002. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par In reply the Respondent filed the affidavit of Tevita Fa dated 28}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of March 2002.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 However, because Mr Fa wished to continue to appear as counsel, he withd rew his affidavit and replaced it with the affidavit of Bhawani Prasad, dated 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 August 2002. \par \par The purpose of filing these affidavits was to firstly supplement the court record, and secondly to adduce evidence that there existed a reasonable apprehension of bias, against the complainant and the prosecution witnesses. \par \par In accordance with the practice recommended by the Chief Justice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s Practice Direction, the affidavits were sent to the Magistrate for his comments.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The affidavits referred to the decision of the Magistrate to allow the Respondent to sit at the bar table, the insistence of Respondent}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s counsel to an early hearing date, a threat made by the Magistrate to PW1 not to make frivolous and vexatious claims or he would be asked to pay compensation to t he Respondent under section 160(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code; a request by the Magistrate to PW1 to mark the pot where the damage was, when the evidence was that the damage was to the plant not the pot, a question asked by the Magistrate to the prose c utor after PW1's evidence had been heard, as to whether it was worth continuing with the prosecution, a warning to PW2 that her credibility was being affected by her evidence, a remark made by the Magistrate to PW3 that he did not know what value her evid ence had and whether there was any point in cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examination, a warning to PW6 that she should tell the truth and disregard her relationship to PW1, and comments made during the trial that the English translation of the swear words allegedly used were not swear words.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Further, the affidavit of Bhupendra Solanki and PC Setareki state that when PC Setareki was late to court on 9}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 January, the prosecutor asked to stand the case down for 10 minutes but the Magistrate refused to do so.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 10 minutes later when the witness appeared, the Magistrate ordered his detention in the cell block, without hearing his explanation.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 When the witness was brought up from the cell after 30 minutes, he told the Magistrate that he had had a running stomach and had not felt well.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Magistrate then apologised to the police witness and continued with the hearing. \par \par The affidavits further state that the Magistrate descended into the arena and started to cross}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 examine PC Setareki as to the reasons for locking PW1 in his house.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Finally the affidavits state that after acquitting the Respondent, the Magistrate asked the prosecutor why he should not award costs against the complainant under sections 158(2) and 160(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He also considered ordering costs against the prosecution, but after receiving written submissions on the subject, decided not to.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 However he did order the complainant to come to court on the 1}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 st}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 of February 2002 to show cause why costs should not be paid by him. \par \par The affidavit of Bhawani Prasad does not dispute these facts.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It admits all these incidents, but says that the Magistrate did not act improperly or in a biased way.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Indeed he says that the criticism of the Magistrate by the prosecutor }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 is a general reflection of his inexperience as a prosecutor, his inability to appreciate how the adversary system works and his lack of respect for the Magistracy.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par The Magistrate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s reply on 14}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 August 2002 dealt with none of the alleged incidents which both parties agreed occurred.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It merely stated that he was not biased.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 A further memorandum was written to the Officer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 in}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Charge of the Magistrate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In reply the Magistrate said that police officers were repeatedly failing to come to court, that PC Setareki had been warned to attend, that when he arrived he told the orderly to take him down to the cell on a bench warrant and that he remained there until it was his turn to give evidence. It is not denied that PC Setareki was in custody for about 30 minutes and that he was not asked for an explanation for his tardiness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The Magistrate does not explain why the detention of the witness is not part of the court record. \par \par As to the other incidents, the Magistrate simply states that he agrees with the affidavit of Bhawani Prasad.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Since that affidavit does not dispute that the incidents occurred, I allow the application to supplement the court record on the basis that all parties agree on the events which are not part of the court record. \par \par As to the application to adduce additional evidence such as the evidence of Shila Belas that she thought the Magistrate }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 was favouring the respondent and was only interested in listening to the defence case and not the prosecution witness}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 , I consider that while such evidence might throw a light on the way the witnesses felt about the proceeding, it is not particularly helpful when the test for bias is applied.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The question is whether an informed bystander would have thought there was a reasonable apprehension, or real likelihood of bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The persons who have provided affidavits are not bystanders.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 They were involved in the case, and their opinions carry very little weight for that reason.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Therefore the application to adduce further evidence, as to how the witnesses felt, is refused. \par \par At the hearing of the appeal therefore, counsel agreed that the incidents referred to in the affidavits of Bhupendra Solanki, PC Setareki, Umesh Mani and Shila Belas, occurred.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 What was disputed was whether the incidents gave rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias. \par \par The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s submission is that the cumulative effect of all the incidents alleged, together with the unusually early hearing date gave rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Counsel for the Respondent said that the prosecution witnesses were all discredited while giving evidence, and th at therefore the learned Magistrate merely did what was natural in the circumstances. \par \par In response to my question about the early hearing date, counsel for the Respondent made an extraordinary disclosure from the bar table.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 He said that the Magistrate had set an early hearing date (one week after the charges were laid) because the Respondent was the prosecutor who prosecuted daily before the same Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 As a result, when the Respondent was suspended from the police force pending the outcome of the case, there were a number of partly}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 heard cases before that Magistrate, which the Magistrate was keen to complete.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It was for that reason that the Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s case was expedited, so that after his case, the part}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 heard cases could be completed by the Respondent. \par \par Although this was an assertion from the bar table, State counsel then replied saying that if the prosecutor in the lower court had known that, he would have asked for the case to be listed before another Magistrate.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 She further submitted that this factor alone was enough to raise a reasonable apprehension of bias. \par \par This ground of appeal is one of presumed bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Amina Koya }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 v}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 (Criminal Appeal CAV0}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 .19}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 97) the Supreme Court said, of the wealth of authorities in Australia, New Zealand and England on the two, purportedly different, tests for bias: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 ... there is little difference between asking whether a reasonable and informed observer would consider there was a real danger of bias and asking whether a reasonable and informed observer would reasonably apprehend or suspect bias.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Ratu Ovini Bokini }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 v}{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Criminal Appeal No. AAU0001 of 1999S, the Magistrate detained the prosecutor in the course of a preliminary inquiry using the words }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Take him downstairs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Drag him downstairs.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Come on take him downstairs.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The High Court, and Court of Appeal held that this incident was enough to lead a reasonably informed observer to suspect bias by the Magistrate against the prosecution.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 That Magistrate was the same Magistrate presiding in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The question is therefore whether the fact that the Magistrate set an early hearing date (allegedly for the convenience of his own case list), the unrecorded questioning of the complainant, his wife and PC Setareki, the detention of PC Setareki, the seati ng of the Respondent at the bar table, and the taking of steps to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 punish}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 the complainant by ordering costs against him after the acquittals, all gave rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias. \par \par In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Ratu Ovini Bokini}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 (supra), the Court of Appeal said that m erely seating an accused at the bar table did not on its own create an apprehension of bias, saying that this was normal practice in New Zealand.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Although it is not normal practice in Fiji, and counsel are expected to explain why they want their clients se ated next to them before there is departure from this procedure, an application in this case was properly made, objected to, and ruled upon.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Generally, Magistrates must guard against allowing well}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 off defendants to sit at the bar table while unrepresented and poor defendants continue to sit in the dock.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Nevertheless, I do not consider the bar table incident to suggest bias. \par \par However the other incidents, in my opinion do raise a reasonable apprehension of bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In particular the detention of a prosecution wi tness, without first attempting to find out why he was late, would have suggested to an informed observer that the Magistrate had a bias against the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Further, even if I were to ignore the injudicious questioning of witnesses, and the premature suggestions that the prosecution was wasting its time, the Magistrate made a determined attempt to order costs against the complainant for a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 frivolous and vexatious}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Finally, counsel disclosed the fact that the Respondent has been prosecuting for about two years, on a daily basis before the same Magistrate and that the Magistrate had a number of part}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 heard matters listed before him, handled by the Respondent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Of significance, is that most of the issues raised by the State relevant to bias, were not recorded by the Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The State had to apply to supplement the court record in respect of, in particular, the detention of the prosecution witness. \par \par It was said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Amina Koya}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 (supra), that in considering whether there was an apprehension of bias, the record of the trial, showing how it was conducted, is of fundamental importance.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 On perusal of the record, it is not so much what was recorded, as what was not recorded, that gives rise to questions of bias. \par \par The grounds for apprehended bias are overwhelming.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In all the circumstances I hold that the entire proceedings were a nullity because there was a reasonable apprehension of bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Indeed, if it is so that the Respondent is the Magistrate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 prosecutor}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 the wisest course of action would have been to refer the trial to another Magistrate, perhaps even the Nausori Magistrate, to hear.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 It is now a clich\'e9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 to say that justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 When a police officer, or a prosecutor or a lawyer or indeed a magistrate or judge is on trial, there is a particular need to ensure that justice is seen to be done, and that the justice system does not have different rules for its own.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The concept of protection against judicial bias, not only protects the fair administration of justice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It also protects the now constitutional guarantee of equality before the law. \par \par I accept that as the trial progressed, State counsel must have realised that he had grounds to ask the Magistrate to disqualify himself on the basis of apprehended bias.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 However as Kirby P (as he then was) said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 S & M Repairs Pty Ltd. }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 v}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Caltex Oil (Australia) Pty Ltd.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 (1988) 12 NSWLR 358:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The entitlement to a judge who is manifestly impartial is not simply a private right which may be waived.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It inheres in the public as well as to the individual litigant.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 It is not for the individual litigant to waive the public}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s rights.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Pacific Transport Ltd. }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 v}{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Sunbeam Transport Ltd.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Civil App. No. 39 of 1993, said however that: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 If there is acquies cence in the participation of a person in the process of adjudication in circumstances which would give rise to likelihood of bias, that acquiescence, in our view, will generally have the effect of preventing that participation being in breach of natural justice.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par However, in this case the State prosecutor in the lower court did not know that the Respondent appeared daily in the Magistrate}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Further the grounds raised, on which I have found apprehended bias, arose from the way the proceedings were conducted during the trial on a continuing basis, and after the acquittals.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 In the circumstances I find there was no acquiescence and therefore no waiver of the right to an impartial court. \par \par The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 s appeal on ground (2) is successful. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Result}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 \par \par The entire trial was a nullity because of the apprehended bias of the Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Although section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibits retrial after an acquittal, in this case the acquittal, and the trial were nullities because of the perceived bias of the Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 As Kirby ACJ said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Galea }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 v}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 -}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Galea}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 (1990) 19 NSWLR 263, 278:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 From the first to last, from beginning to end, the appearance of an impartial and unprejudiced mind on the part of a judicial officer is of the essence of the system of justice.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 If at any point, there is a loss, in fact or appearance, of that impartiality the trial will thereafter miscarry.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 The litigant who can establish such a miscarriage has not had a trial according to law.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945\charrsid11406945 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 I therefore order that the acquittals be quashed and that the trial be heard de novo before another Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 JUDGE}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11406945 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 At Suva \par 30}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16650695\charrsid11406945 August 2002}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11406945 \par }}