{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f169\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f170\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f172\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f173\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f174\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f175\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f176\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f177\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f189\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}{\f190\fmodern\fcharset204\fprq1 Courier New Cyr;}
{\f192\fmodern\fcharset161\fprq1 Courier New Greek;}{\f193\fmodern\fcharset162\fprq1 Courier New Tur;}{\f194\fmodern\fcharset177\fprq1 Courier New (Hebrew);}{\f195\fmodern\fcharset178\fprq1 Courier New (Arabic);}
{\f196\fmodern\fcharset186\fprq1 Courier New Baltic;}{\f197\fmodern\fcharset163\fprq1 Courier New (Vietnamese);}{\f519\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f520\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f522\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}
{\f523\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f524\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}{\f525\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f526\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f527\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}
{\f528\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\ql \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qc \li0\ri0\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{\s4\ql \li1152\ri720\sl480\slmult1
\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin720\lin1152\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{
\s5\qc \li1152\ri720\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin720\lin1152\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{
\s6\qc \li5040\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin5040\itap0 \b\f2\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 6;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}
{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \cbpat9 
\f35\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Document Map;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}{\s18\ql \li1152\ri720\sl480\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin1152\itap0 
\f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 Block Text;}{\s19\ql \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext19 Body Text;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid12942098}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr10\min28}
{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr10\min28}{\version2}{\edmins3}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1461}{\nofchars8334}{\*\company Judicial Department}{\nofcharsws9776}{\vern16391}}
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot12942098 
\fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid12942098 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid12942098 5}}}{\cs17\insrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid12942098 
\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\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 
\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 065 OF 2003S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Between:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 MAKITALENA CAKAUSEREVAKI RAVUVU
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 24th May 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 4th June 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Mr. N. Lajendra for State
\par Mr. S. Matawalu for Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 This is an appeal against acquittal.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 The Respondent was charged as follows:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 DANGEROUS DRIVING}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 : Contrary to section 98(1) and 114 of Land Transport Act No. 35 of 1998.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 MAKITALENA CAKAUSEREVAKI RAVUVU on the 3rd
 day of December 2002 at Nausori in the Central Division drove a motor vehicle on Kings Road, Nausori town in a manner which is dangerous to the public having regards to all the circumstances of the case.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par The Respondent was charged on the 31st of January 2003. She pleaded not guilty and the case proceeded to trial on the 19th of June 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 PW1, Nitesh Prasad gave evidence that on 3rd December 2002 he was cycling to Manoca from the bakery at Manoca when a van came at high sped from a junction at Mistry Lane and bumped him.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He fell down and lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital in a taxi called by the Respondent.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 The Respondent was driving the vehicle which drove out of Mistry Lane.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 It was a Pajero.
\par 
\par Under cross-examination, the witness said he was hit on his side of the road but was thrown to the right side of the road to the centre line.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He denied that he was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the collision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 PW2, PC Raj Gopal Chetty gave evidence that he visited the scene at 2.10pm on the 3rd of December 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He drew the rough and fair sketch plan which shows that the Respondent\rquote s vehicle had come out of the junction and was travelling towards Nausori.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He saw broken glass close to the centre line on the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He interviewed the Respondent under caution and tendered the interview.
\par 
\par In her interview the Respondent said that she had stopped at the junction at Mistry Lane to see if her way was clear.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 She sa
id there was a boy coming towards her on a bicycle who was two lamp posts away.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
She then drove into the main road but heard a loud sound from the back of her vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
She said that when she heard the sound she had already driven into the left side of the road.
\par 
\par The Respondent gave sworn evidence which was very similar to her caution statement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
However she said that she had seen the boy two lamp posts away which she estimated was 100 metres.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
She said that the impact occurred on the left lane near the centre line.
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate in his judgment reviewed the evidence and asked whether a dangerous situation had been caused by the manner of the Respondent\rquote s driving.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He found that the Respondent had driven her vehicle without fault and that it was the cyclist who had driven on the wrong side of the road and at a dangerous speed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
He also found that the cyclist was not paying attention to the traffic because it was raining and he had his head lowered, with one hand holding bread.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He found that he was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the Respondent had not driven dangerously and acquitted her.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He then said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 \'93
Further under s.158(2) of the CPC I order prosecution to pay $100 as costs to the accused.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par The grounds of appeal were originally that the learned Magistrate erred in fact in acquitting the Respondent, and that the order for costs was excessive and unreasonable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 However, the State later filed an additional ground of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 It reads:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 \'93
That the learned trial magistrate by his conduc
t at the outset of the trial gave rise to a real and reasonable perception of bias and favour towards the Respondent and on this account failed thereupon to recuse himself from the further hearing of the matter.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par In support of this ground, the State filed a notice of motion requesting supplementation of the court record.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
In the supporting affidavit of Inspector Usman Ali, Divisional Prosecuting Officer (Eastern) states that he was the prosecutor in the case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 He said at paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of his affidavit:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 \'93
6. That on the hearing date, the Respondent appeared at Court for trial accompanied by her husband, Senator Asesela Ravuvu.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
7. That at the outset of the proceedings and in open court, the learned trial magistrate extended an official welcome to the husband of the accused to the Court and expressed the Court\rquote s appreciation for his presence.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 8. That the Senator remained in the Court during the whole of the proceedings.
\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
The affidavit and motion were sent to the trial magistrate whose response was that he had no comment to make.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
Counsel for the Respondent agreed that the incident had occurred.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 In the circumstances I accept the contents of Inspector Usman Ali
\rquote s affidavit and supplement the court record accordingly.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Bias
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par The test for bias is whether an informed observer would reasonably suspect bias from the conduct of the proceedings, or would consider that there was a real danger of bias (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
Amina Koya v. The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  CAV0002.19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 97).
\par 
\par In this case, it is submitted that in extending a welcome to the husband of the accused, there was a real danger or reasonable apprehension of bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 There can be no doubt at all that the act of extending a welcome to the relative of one of the parties to the litigation, was a singularly unwise and unjudicial act.
\par 
\par Judicial officers should at all times remember that the perception of partiality must be guarded against, and that a display of special treatment to one of the parties in court, can weaken and undermine the entire justice system.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 When well-known and prominent me
mbers of the community are given official welcomes by the court, and those who are less privileged are accorded no such courtesies, the latter may well conclude that they are unequal in the eyes of the law.
\par 
\par In this case, the learned Magistrate should have refrained from extending such a welcome to the spouse of the accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
However, the question on appeal was whether there was a reasonable apprehension of bias in the conduct of the entire proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 As was said by the Court of Appeal in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Amina Koya v. The State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 , the question of bias should be decided after a scrutiny of the record of the trial.
\par 
\par In this case, after perusing the court record, I am unable to conclude that the learned Magistrate acted in a way which might give rise to a suspicion of bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
Although his conclusion that the accident was caused by a speeding bicycle and not by any fault of the Respondent was a little unusual given the maximum speed a bicycle is able to be driven as compared with a Pajero, his conclusion that the Respondent di
d all a prudent driver should have done, was a possible conclusion on the facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Indeed the Respondent\rquote 
s version of events was consistent with the marked point of impact and with her own statement to the police.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
The decision of the Court was not irrational, nor is there any evidence on the record of any bias towards the prosecution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
Although the learned Magistrate\rquote s conduct was unwise, I do not consider that it caused a reasonable suspicion, or a real danger of bias.
\par 
\par This ground fails.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 The evidence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par The only real question for the court was whether the Respondent failed to conduct herself as one might expect from a prudent reasonable driver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 The prosecution\rquote s case was that she drove into the road from the side road without giving way to the approaching cyclist.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Her position was that she assessed the distance at which the cyclist could be seen (100 metres) and decided that it was safe to drive into the road.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Clearly her assessment was wrong, but the test is an objective one.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 What would the reasonable prudent driver have done in the circumstances?
\par 
\par The learned Magistrate concluded that the Respondent had taken every possible precaution and that the cyclist was at fault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
In fact, the issue for him to determine was not the fault of the cyclist (whose right of way it was) but the fault of the Respondent.
\par 
\par In this case the learned Magistrate had the benefit of hearing the evidence on oath.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
He directed himself correctly on the question of law to be answered, and concluded that the Respondent was not at fault.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
This is not a conclusion an appeal court can interfere with.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 It was a possible conclusion on the facts.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 This appeal ground also fails and is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Costs
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par Section 158(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code provides:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 \'93
It shall be lawful for a jud
ge of the [High Court] or any magistrate who acquits or discharges a person accused of an offence, to order the prosecutor whether public or private, to pay to the accused such reasonable costs as to such judge or magistrate may seem fit:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Provided that su
ch an order shall not be made unless the judge or magistrate considers that the prosecutor either had no reasonable grounds for bringing the proceedings or has unreasonably prolonged the same.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par In considering a costs application, a court should ask both parties to make submissions, and should specify the ground on which costs are awarded.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 There are no other grounds on which costs may be awarded (}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Graham Southwick v. State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098  CAV0001 of 2003S) and a ruling on costs should specify whether the prosecution was unreasonably brought, or unreasonably prolonged.
\par 
\par It is apparent that neither ground applied in this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
If the learned Magistrate had accepted the evidence of PW1, he would have convicted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
No prosecutor can predict whether a court will accept the evidence of any witness, when the statement of the witness appears to be credible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 In this case, there was an equal chance of a conviction, as there was of an acquittal.
\par 
\par The costs order was therefore wrong in law and must be quashed.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Conclusion
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par The appeal against acquittal fails and is dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 The appeal against the costs order succeeds and the order is quashed.

\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 Nazhat Shameem
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12942098 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12942098\charrsid12942098 
\par At Suva
\par 4th June 2004
\par }}