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}}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid6228506 3}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\insrsid9701626 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\insrsid9701626 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid9701626 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid9701626 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par MISCELLANEOUS JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 MISCELLANEOUS CASE NO: HAM 021 OF 2002 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 WAISEA VOLAVOLA \par KELEVI NABANIVALU \par TIMOCI TURAGA \par TECEISA RARA \par SOSICENI BAINIVUAI \par NEREO VATULAWA \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Applicants \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 And}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 : \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 13th June 2002 \par Ruling:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 14th June 2002 \par \par Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Mr E. Veretawatini for Applicants \par Ms S. Shah for Respondent \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 RULIN}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 G}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par This is an application for bail pending trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 It is made in the concurrent jurisdiction of the High Court under }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 s.108 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 4)(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code (as amended by Act No. 37 of 1998).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 It is also a purported application for the transfer of the hearing of the case from Tailevu Magistrates\rquote Court to Nausori Magistrates \rquote Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 However, as I told counsel at the hearing of this application, any such application must be by way of appeal from the Magistrate\rquote s decision to transfer.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 No such appeal has been filed and I have therefore treated this application as one for bail alone. \par \par All Applicants together with other accused persons, were charged with rape in August 1999.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The trial did not proceed until the 28th of May 2002.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The reasons for the delay include t he civil unrest of 2000, and the repeated non-appearance of one or other of the accused persons.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Three accused persons are still missing and bench warrants have been issued for them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 According to the prosecution, the Applicants have all failed on more than one occasion to attend court while on bail.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 One accused (not one of the Applicants) failed to appear on the 28th of May 2002, forcing the prosecution to withdraw the charge against him, so that the trial could proceed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 These matters are not disputed by counsel for the Applicants.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The trial has commenced and the complainant (PW1) is still giving evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 She is entering her third day of cross-examination.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The prosecution has a further 9 witnesses to call, and the trial will not be completed for another 7 days.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 All Applicants have been remanded in custody for the trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Bail has been refused, apparently on the basis that the Applicants had a history of non-attendance for hearing, and that the learned Magistrate wished to ensure the continuation of the trial without any further delay.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Although no written ruling for the refusal of bail has been provided to me, counsel agreed that these were the reasons for the refusal. \par \par Counsel for the Applicants submits that bail should be granted because there is no fear of i nterference with witnesses (the victim is now living in Wainibokasi), and because the Applicants can arrange to live in Nadera until the conclusion of the case to ensure attendance.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 He said that the Applicants wished to attend their grandfather\rquote s funeral on Saturday and that they were willing to accept stringent conditions including the provision of sureties. \par \par The State opposes bail, saying that the victim has already told the court that she is afraid of the Applicants and has experienced interference from their families.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Counsel says that the Applicants have a history of taking turns to absent themselves from court, and that this is the substantial cause of the delay in the hearing of the case.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 She says that the continued remand of the Applicants will ensure a speedy conclusion to the trial, and will prevent any further delay. \par \par Section 34(6}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007\charrsid16677007 ) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 a) of the Constitution provides that a person\rquote s freedom of movement may be restricted \'93 for the purpose of ensuring his or her appearance before a court for trial...\'94 \par \par The predominant factor in considering a bail application, is whether the accused will appear for trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Other factors such as the seriousness of the charge, previous refusals of bail, a likely interference with witnesses, and the likelihood of further charges, are all relevant, but the fundamental principle is whether the accused will appear for trial. \par \par In this case, it is not disputed that the accused persons, including the Applicants have not always appeared for trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Bench warrants have been issued with regularity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Although counsel for the Applicants says that this is because the case has been transferred to the Nausori Court at Valelevu, State counsel said that the non-appearances of all Applicants pre-dated the transfer to Nausori. \par \par The trial is now a week old and is likely to continue until next week.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The absence of one accused will lead to delay (and possible resulting prejudice) to the other accused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The presiding Magistrate has refused several applications for bail, to ensure that the trial is not disrupted or further delayed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 I do not consider that there are any grounds to interfere with the exercise of that discretion, particularly in the course of an on-going trial. \par \par In all the circumstances I am satisfied that bail should not be granted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16677007 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 The application is refused. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16677007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9701626\charrsid16677007 \par At Suva \par 14th June 2002 \par }}