{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\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\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 \rsid1468885\rsid6434957\rsid6499615\rsid7761266\rsid11092654\rsid14567322}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6829;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy1\hr14\min5} {\revtim\yr2009\mo1\dy21\hr9\min31}{\version7}{\edmins6}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1573}{\nofchars8967}{\nofcharsws10519}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl2160\margr1872\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\rsidroot7761266 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \sbknone\linex0\headery1440\footery1440\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7761266\sftnbj {\*\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\pararsid14567322 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1468885 AT LAUTOKA}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0043/00 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 IN THE MATTER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 of an appeal f rom the Magistrate\rquote s Court of Lautoka.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Criminal Case No. 558 of 1999. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 BETWEEN:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 OSEA BALEASAVU \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 APPELLANT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 AND:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14567322 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 RESPONDENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par Appellant in person [unrepresented] \par Ms Fagbenro for the Respondent \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 Date of Hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654\charrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 31 August 2000 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 Date of Judgment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654\charrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 2 August 2002 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654\charrsid11092654 JUDGMENT}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par On 13 March 2000 the Appellant was convicted by the Lautoka Magistrate\rquote s Court of a single count of robbery with violence contrary to Section 293 of the Penal Code Cap. 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He was sentenced to a term of 18 months imprisonment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He a ppeals against that conviction. \par \par No witness identified him as having been at the scene.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Shortly after 10 a.m. on 12 July 1999 Rajendra Prasad}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 who operated a petrol station supermarket at Saweni was robbed of till contents and cigarettes, amounting to approximately $3,500 in value.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Four robbers arrived in a white car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Two were masked.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 One had a screw driver with which he threatened a bowser attendant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 One had a cane knife and one a stick.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 No one was injured, other than the owner who suffered an injured neck when held by the neck and pushed down on the floor. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6499615 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 According the Right to call Witnesses}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par In his grounds of appeal the appellant stated in a written submission that he had a \'93witness who can give evidence that my presence in the allegation is false, and that I was not a part of the crime\'94.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 In his written application earlier in these proceedings seeking bail he had said his first ground was that the Magistrate had erred in law in not allowing a witness to come and give sworn testimony.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He said he had asked the Magistrate to subpoena his witness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He says as a result he was denied a fair trial. \par \par In conducting his defence the Appellant is recorded as saying \'93I will remain silent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 No witness.\'94}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This was after the Magistrate had noted}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93Three options put to Accused.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The Accused is a person who has been up before the courts on numerous occasions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Is there anything here to unsettle confidence in the record?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The procedure to be accorded to an Accus ed will be the same whatever his or her criminal history may have been.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 All Accused must be accorded the same procedure in order to achieve a fair trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The court record is to be accepted here when it states the Accused said he was not going to call a witness.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He has provided no details to this court of who he was to call as witnesses.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He neither made an unsworn statement from the dock nor did he enter the witness box and give sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 There was therefore no explanation placed before the Magistrate by the Appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 as to how his fingerprints were on the rear left door of the vehicle which was seen at the petrol station when it was used by the robbers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 In his caution interview the Appellant had said that on the morning in question he had gone to build a friend\rquote s house at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Drasa Vitogo.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He denied taking part in the robbery.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 What was his explanation for his fingerprints being on the car?}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 None was given.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He simply denied, in his interview, being in the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Though the burden of proof did not require the Ap pellant to prove his alibi there was no innocent explanation put forward for the presence of his fingerprints on the car for the Magistrate to consider in challenge of the prosecution case. \par \par The procedure for ensuring fairness in the calling of witnesses in the defence case where the Accused is not represented has been covered by the Court of Appeal in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Sekove}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Vatuabete v The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 (unreported) Court of Appeal Cr. App. No. ABU 0018/1998S; 26 February 1999 at p 11; and in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Livai Ratucava v The State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 (unreported) Lautoka High Court Cr. App. No. HAA0021/00L; 16 January 2001 when I said of the Criminal Procedure Code,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 at p 5 of the judgment: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1468885 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93Meanwhile, magistrates should look again at }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 section 211(2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 and in trials make a fuller note in the record of how they have dealt with this part of the trial procedure. \'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par I note that in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Sekove\rquote s}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 case (supra) the witness who was required by the Accused had been named by the Accused and in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Livai\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 case, though there was no obligation to do so, the Accused had elected to give an unsworn statement from the dock.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This ground fails. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6499615 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Fingerprint Evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par The Appellant complained of the fingerprint evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 He said the fingerprint uplifted was not photographed so as to give a clear indication as to from which place}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 it had been take n from the the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The record of the police officer\rquote s evidence at this point read: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93Saw car No. CS090 parked.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 I examined car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Uplifted fingerprints - from right and left doors.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Also from rear left door.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This is my lift. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 I tender exhibit 1 - one fingerprint.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par By deduction the exhibited fingerprint can be taken to be from the rear left door.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 However the evidence (or the record)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 lacked clarity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 No statement is made by the witness saying that the lifts from the other two places, the front right and front left doors, were found to be, or not to be, the Appellant\rquote s fingerprints.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Nor was there a photograph of the car\rquote s rear left door showing the fingerprint of the Appellant }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 visible on the door }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 All that was exhibited was a 2" x 4" photograph of the lifted fingerprint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 In this case, the only evidence of the Appellant\rquote s involvement in the robbery was that single fingerprint on the car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 A photograph showing the fingerprint on the car door would have corroborated the testimony of the police officer who said he had uplifted the fingerprint from the car door.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Such a photograph should be standard practice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The evidence of the police officer on this matter was accepted by the Magistrate.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 That is a finding which I do not find necessary to disturb.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Courts may not always be happy to accept such evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Some may feel it is insufficient to dispel lingering doubts, particularly where the case rests solely upon the one fingerprint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Better practice in the presentation of the prosecution\rquote s case s hould see the exhibiting routinely of a photograph showing in such cases the car door with the site of the fingerprint included on it.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Such a practice, if followed, would go to make for cogency and quality of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 evidence in the prosecution\rquote s case.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The comparison evidence was however properly presented and no adverse comment can be raised against it;}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Chappell v DPP}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 (1988) 89 Cr. App. R}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 82.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 It has for long been accepted that a prosecution can properly succeed on fingerprint evidence where the fingerprints have been properly identified by an expert, and}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 even where such evidence is the sole evidence of identification: }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 R v Castleton }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 [1909] 3 Cr. App. R 74.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6499615 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The Hearsay Evidence}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par The Magistrate said in his judgment that \'93the car was stolen from Suva\'94.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The evidence f or this statement came from a police witness from the Crime Intelligence Branch at Lautoka.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 DC S. Prasad said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93Later came to know that vehicle No. was VC582.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 } {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 It was stolen from Suva.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The No. CU582 was in boot.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 When I saw vehicle it was CS090.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Another police witness PC Maciu said: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93I received information that CV 582 stolen from Knolly Street, Suva.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Also that number plate CS090 from Suva stolen.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par There was no admissible evidence that either the car}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 or the number plates were stolen.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 These facts, if probative of a non-innocent association of the Appellant with the car used in the robbery should have been established by non-hearsay evidence.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 That}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 evidence could have come from the two car owners, first from the owner of the car involved in the robbery, and second from the owner of the car whose number plate was found in the robbery car.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 They could have testified that they had not given permission to the Appellant to drive or to use their cars, or to take the number plate. Discounting the hearsay evidence, there remains sufficient and cogent evidence of the Appellant\rquote s presence in the robbery car, a presence which had been denied by the Appellant.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The hearsay evidence should not have been adduced.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Though this issue therefore is decided in favour of the Appellant, I find there has been no miscarriage of justice by virtue of the remaining admissible evidence, and accordingly I apply the proviso of Section 319 (1) (c) of the Criminal Procedure Code. \par \par The third ground of appeal seems to be that the Magistrate erred in law in convicting the Appellant whilst relying on the statement of a co-Accused who mentioned the Appellant\rquote s name.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The Magistrate has nowhere in his judgment referred \par to such evidence, neither was there any such evidence adduced by the prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This was a trial of the Appellant alone}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 without any of the other participants in the robbery.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This ground fails. \par \par Finally this is another case in which the judgment extends to a mere few lines [9 lines].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 This was after a trial of a serious charge where the prosecution had called 6 witnesses and tendered 7 exhibits.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The sole}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 issue was identification.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The Accused was a person with a long history of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 appearing in the courts.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 In }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Livai Ratucava}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 (supra) at p 7) I had said: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \'93The present case involved the very serious charge of robbery with violence.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The judgment consisting of a mere 8 lines of the record purported to review the witnesses and material evidence in such space.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 I believe the correct result on the evidence has been arrived at.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 But it is even more important that the Accused is not given the impression that the Magistrate knows he is a frequent offender, whose trial is a mere time-wasting formality.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 The issues, not least of identification for an unrepresented Accused, could have been analysed in greater detail and each of the legal ingredients of the two counts dealt with separately and matched with the evidence found to be acceptable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 Where an Accused whom the Magistrate knows to be a person of bad character appears in a trial before him or her unrepresented, that bad character is a factor that should place a court on alert in case the investigation authorities}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 have failed to be diligent in their search for sufficient and admissible evidence of the Accused\rquote s guilt in the matter, and instead have relied on his propensity to commit offences of the type charged.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par These observations similarly have bearing on the present case. I would add that even a person who knows he is guilty should still be able to leave court satisfied that he had been found guilty by due process of law, that he had had a fair trial and that his points of challenge had been properly considered. \par \par In the result, the appeal is dismissed and the conviction confirmed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 A.H.C.T. GATES \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 JUDG}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 E}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11092654 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 \par Solicitor for the Applicant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11092654 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7761266\charrsid11092654 : None \par Solicitor for the Respondent : DPP, Lautoka Office \par }}