{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;} {\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;} {\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}} {\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0; \red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\*\cs15 \additive \sbasedon10 \ssemihidden footnote reference;}} {\*\rsidtbl \rsid1190869\rsid9528319\rsid11632508\rsid14623833\rsid16348951}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator sam_f}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy22\hr11\min18}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy9\hr10\min25} {\version5}{\edmins9}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1063}{\nofchars6060}{\nofcharsws7109}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\notabind\wraptrsp\transmf\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\truncatefontheight\subfontbysize\sprsbsp\wpjst\lytprtmet\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot14623833 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid14623833\sftnbj {\headerr \pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\pvpara\posx0\posy0\absw9361\nowrap\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid14623833 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\field{\*\fldinst { \insrsid14623833 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16348951 1}}}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\insrsid14623833 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 45 \\f "Symbol" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f3\fs24}}}{\insrsid14623833 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid14623833 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl-240\slmult0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid14623833 \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\pararsid1190869 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par MISCELLANEOUS JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 MISCELLANEOUS ACTION NO: HAM 40 OF 2002S \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Between:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 WAISALE TUIVUYA \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Applicant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 And:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869\charrsid1190869 29th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 October 2002 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 Ruling:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869\charrsid1190869 30th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 October 2002 \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 Counsel }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Mr A. Wolf for Applicant \par Mr W. Kuruisaqila for Sta}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869\charrsid1190869 e}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 t \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 RULING ON BAIL}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par The Applicant is charged with the offence of murder.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 The trial is scheduled to commence on the 9th of December of this year.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 The Information reads as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16348951 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16348951 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 MURDER:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Contrary to Sections 199 and 200 of the Penal Code, Cap. 17. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16348951 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16348951 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Particulars of Offence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid16348951 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 WAISALE TUIVUYA on the 3rd day of November 2000 at Lami in the Central Division murdered ALIFERETI NIMACERE. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par The application is made by motion and the affidavit of Ronald Prasad, Executive Officer of the Legal Aid Commission.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 That affidavit states that the Applicant has been kept in the custody of the military forces since 8th February 2002 when the charge was first laid in the Magistrate\rquote s Court, and that a further delay is likely before the trial proceeds in the High Court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 This is the Applicant\rquote s first application for bail. \par \par Counsel for the Applicant, in both written and oral submissions said that the evidence disclosed that the deceased died when the Applicant, a reserve soldier tasked with the arrest of the deceased, fired a single gun shot from a distance. \par \par Counsel submitted that the evidence disclosed a case of, if anything, manslaughter, and that the Applicant should, if convicted, receive a suspended sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 He further submitted that the Applicant would appear for the trial, that he lived on his farm in Beqa with his wife and dau ghters and that there was no likelihood of re-offending because of the special circumstances of the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Nor, he said, was there any likelihood of interference with witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 He submitted that the Applicant was prepared to abide by any conditions the court chose to impose. \par \par State counsel opposed the application, pointing to the seriousness of the offence, the public interest in ensuring that defendants appear for trial, and the likelihood of interference with prosecution witnesses most of whom apparently are reserve soldiers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Finally, he submitted that the Applicant had a long list of previous convictions (including one for escaping from lawful custody) which suggested that the Applicant could not be relied upon to appear in court on bail. \par \par Section 34 of the Constitution guarantees the right of every person in Fiji, to move freely throughout the country.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Section 34(6) provides that a person may be detained }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 for the purpose of ensuring his or her appearance before a court for trial or other proceedings.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par \par The fundamental question, on any application for bail is whether the defendant will appear in court to stand trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However relevant considerations to assist in the exercise of this discretion are the character of the defendant, his/her family and community ties within the country, the seriousness of the offence, possible interference with the course of justice, opportunities to prepare the defence, the likelihood of further charges or of re-offending whilst on bail, and fears of public disorder where the al leged offences are particularly serious (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Adesh Singh & Ors}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 . Misc. No. 11/12 of 1988, }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Tak Sang Hao -v- State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Misc. 003/2001S).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Further, the circumstances of the remand pending trial may be a ground for granting bail (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Sailasa Naba and Others -v- State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 HAC 0012/2000L) in addition to serious pre-trial delay (}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 State -v- Peniasi Kata}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Cr. Action HAC 9 of 1994). \par \par In applying these principles to a consideration of bail pending trial, I have also taken into account the presumption of innocence and the fact that the Applicant has a right to bail.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 It is for the prosecution to show the court that bail should not be granted. \par \par There is no doubt that the Applicant has been charged with a very serious offence, and that he does have a list of previous convictions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Further the trial is due to commence on the 9th of December 2002 and is scheduled for two weeks.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However, he has now been in custody for 8 months, and is kept at the military camp for security reasons (the deceased being well-known to the inmates at the prison facilities).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 It has been argued that the evidence of murder was inadequate. \par \par I note that the defence at the preliminary inquiry, agreed that there was sufficient evidence for committal, and that there are a number of witness statements in the depositions which refer to the shooting incident.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 The depositions also contain a statement by the Applicant admitting to the shooting.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 I do not consider it appropriate to assess the chances of success of any defence the Applicant may wish to pursue at the trial proper.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 The strengths and weaknesses of the case must therefore be of limited releva nce to this application because a great deal will depend on whether any of the evidence is admissible, and on whether the witnesses are available and credible. \par \par I accept however that because a number of witnesses are also reserve soldiers, that the prosecution may fear interference with them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 I also accept that bail for murder in other cases has usually been granted after a delay of more than 12 months.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 In }{ \b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 State -v- Felix Keith Vusonitokalau}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Cr. Case No. 0005/1996S, Pain J granted bail pending trial where t he accused had been in remand for 1 year and 9 months.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 State -v- Jai Ram and Others}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 HAC 002 of 2000L, Prakash J granted bail pending trial after a remand period of 2 years.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 In }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Timoci Naisake & Saula Matavucu -v- State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Mis. HAM 0010D/2000S, Madraiwiwi J granted bail after a remand period of 13 months. \par \par As Pain J said in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Ashok Chand -v- The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Misc. HAM 012 of 1995:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 I agree that an accused ought not to be remanded in custody for an inordinate period.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Section 6(5) of the [1990] Constitution requires that an accused should be released if not tried within a reasonable time.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However there is no fixed period within which a trial must take place.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Under our present system, some delay is inevitable.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 An accused is not automatically entitled to bail if the trial is not heard within, say 12 months.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 What is a reasonable period depends on the particular case and all the prevailing circumstances.}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 It could be a shorter or longer period.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 In cases where bail has been granted, the prospective delay has been well in excess of 12 months.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par There is clearly no }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 cut-off}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 "}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 period for the grant of bail.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However the cases show that the courts will generally not countenance a pre-trial remand period for substantially more than 12 months.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However, the granting of bail generally involves the balancing of several relevant criteria, delay being one of them. \par \par In this case, an 8 month delay is not unreasonably long, particularly when a trial date has already been set for December.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Further, I accept that there is a real risk that the Applicant may not appear for trial, and that there may be interference with witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 In all the circumstances I am satisfied that bail should be refused.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 However, any further substantial delay may lead to the grant of bail.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1190869 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 This application is refused. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 Nazhat Shameem \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 JUDGE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1190869 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14623833\charrsid1190869 \par At Suva \par 30th October 2002 \par }}