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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par APPELLATE JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: HAA}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469\charrsid8462469 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 046 OF 2004S
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 And:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid983422\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid983422\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 ONISIMO ROQICA
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid983422  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 2nd July 2004
\par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid983422  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 9th July 2004
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Ms K. Bavou for State
\par Respondent in Person
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par This is an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions against the discharge of the Respondent on a count of dangerous driving.
\par 
\par The charges read as follows:
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 FIRST COUNT
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR OR ANY DRUG}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 : Contrary to Sections 102(1) and 114 of the Land Transport Act, Cap. 35 of 1998.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 Particul}{
\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 ars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
ONISIMO ROQICA on the 10th day of December 2003 at Nasinu in the Central Division, drove a motor vehicle on Ratu Dovi Road
, whilst under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the said motor vehicle.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 SECOND COUNT
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Statement of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 DANGEROUS DRIVING}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 : Contrary to Sections 98(i) and 114 of the Land Transport Act, Cap. 35 of 1998.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
ONISIMO ROQICA on the 10th day of December 2003 at Nasinu in the Central Division drove a motor vehicle on Ratu Dovi Road, in a manner which was 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\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par The Respondent pleaded guilty on both counts on the 29th of January 2004 in the Suva Magistrates\rquote  Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The facts were as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 \'93
On 10.12.03 at 5.15pm the accused Onisimo Roqica was drinking liquor at his house at Nadawa when he decided to visit a friend of his at Mandhir Street at Ratu Dovi Road.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The accused drove his motor vehicle number DP 184 on Nadawa road into Ratu Dovi Road when he bumped Kamal Kala s/o Sukhu aged 42 years who was walking along Ratu Dovi Road.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The accused kept on driving when he bumped a pine post beside the road.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 This incident was seen by Rohitesh Prakash and reported the matter to the police.}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The accused was arrested at Mandhir Street and was tested by Sgt. Seru of Valelevu Police Station when the accu
sed failed to respond as he was drunk.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
He was later locked in the cell and later charged for the offence of Drunk and Drive and Dangerous Driving.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The victim received injury due to this accident.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par The Respondent agreed to these facts and was convicted on both counts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
He was sentenced on Count 1, to a fine of $1000 (in default, 3 months imprisonment) and to disqualification from driving for three months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 He did not deliver sentence on Count 2.
\par 
\par On the 13th of February he discharged (it appears without conviction) on Count 2 applying the principle in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 R v. Forest Dean ex parte Farky}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  (1990) Crim. L.R. 568 that it was an abuse of the process to lay two counts arising from the same facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 He quoted the following passage from that decision:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 \'93
Where a defendant is 
facing two charges, one of dangerous driving and the other of driving with excessive alcohol, based upon the same facts, the prosecution should choose either to proceed with the charge of dangerous driving and consider bringing the lesser charge if the de
fendant is acquitted, or to proceed with the excess alcohol charge alone.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The invariable rule is that where a person is tried on a lesser offence he is not to be tried again on the same facts for a more serious offence.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 A contrary course of action would amount to an abuse of the process of the court.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par The State appeals against the discharge on Count 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The sole ground of appeal is that:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 \'93
The learned Magistrate erred as a matter of law when he determined that the offences of Driving a Motor Vehicle under th
e Influence of Intoxicating Liquor [s.102(1)) Land Transport Act] and Dangerous Driving [s.98(1) and 114 of the Land Transport Act] charged against the Respondent arose from the same facts.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par There can be no doubt at all that the same evidence relied upon to prove that the Respondent was incapable of driving on Count 1, was also used to prove the dangerous nature of the driving on Count 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Although facts as to the Respondent\rquote s drunk state were not necessary for the dangerous driving charge, they were releva
nt in that evidence of drunkedness is invariably an aggravating factor for the purpose of sentencing for dangerous driving.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
There can be no doubt that both charges emerged from the same facts.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Was this an abuse of the process?
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 R v. Forest Dean}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 , the defendant lost control of his vehicle and killed a passenger.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The next day, he was breath tested, and the prosecutor calculated that 98mg of alcohol must have been present in his blood the previous day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 His defence was that he had consumed the alcohol after the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Under the 1972 Road Traffic Act (U.K.), a person making such a claim is obliged to prove the time of consumption of the alcohol.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Further, on conviction, under the }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Police and Criminal Evidence Act}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  1984 the evidence of the conviction could be adduced on a charge of causing death by reckless driving.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The consumption of alcohol was the basis of the charge of causing death.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The prosecution moved to have the summary charge, of driving with excess alcohol heard first and separately from the indictable offence of causing death.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The defendant sought judicial review seeking an order preventing the justices from determining the summary charge until after the indictable offence had been disposed of.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 At the hearing, the Crown undertook not to proceed with the summary offence until after the more serious offence had been dealt with.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The Divisional Court (per Neill J LJ and Garland J) accepted this undertaking and made no order.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 However it said that it would be an abuse of the process for the prosecution to man
ipulate the different burdens of proof on the two offences thus placing the defendant in double jeopardy.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
It also placed the defendant at a procedural disadvantage in relation to disclosure of his case.
\par 
\par The commentary of the case in the Criminal Law Review says:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 \'93
The court accepted that it was a well-established practice to deal with multiple charges in descending order of gravity: }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Elrington}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  (1861) 1 B&S 688 per Lord Cockburn CJ; }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Hogan v. Tomkins}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  (1960) 44 Cr. App. R. 255.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
There was also a discretion to stay proceedings if to proceed after conviction or acquittal on a lesser charge would be oppressive or prejudicial: }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Connelly v. DPP}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  [1964] AC 1254; }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Moxon-Tritsch}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
 [1988] Crim. L.R. 46 \'85 Per curium.}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 There will be few cases where it is appropriate for the cour
t to intervene in the prosecution process in this way.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par This decision has no application to the Respondent\rquote s charges.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
He was not tried separately, and the prosecution were not trying to gain any sort of unfair advantage by laying two charges.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The crux of the }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Forest Dean}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
 decision, is that it is wrong for the prosecution to lay separate charges in separate proceedings in order to manipulate the two burdens of proof to the defendant\rquote s disadvantage.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 That decision has no relevance to this appeal.
\par 
\par Indeed, the laying of several charges emerging from the same set of facts, is an unremarkable course of action taken in courts in the common law jurisdictions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 State counsel referred me to another decision of the Queen\rquote s Bench Division, }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 R v. Coventry Magistrates
\rquote  Court Ex parte Wilson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  (1982) RTR 177, which illustrates just this point.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 In that case, the defendant who had a previous conviction for a road traffic offence, knocked down and killed two women on the road, in his vehicle.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 He had a blood alcohol level which was over the prescribed limit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 He was charged on two counts of causing death by reckless driving, and was convicted and sentenced on both.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 He was subsequently charged before a magistrates\rquote  court with other offences arising out of the same incident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 They included drink driving and driving without insurance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
Instead of sentencing him on these additional courts the justices marked \'93Not proceeded with\'94 on the charge of drink driving, finding that the charge had, in effect, been merged into the causing death charges.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The prosecution applied for mandamus to compel the justices to sentence and to impose the mandatory disqualification.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 The application was granted, the court holding that the offence of drink driving was not \'93co-extensive\'94
 with the causing death charges and that the justices could instead impose a lighter sentence than might otherwise have been the case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Mandamus issued, commanding the justices to proceed to sentence.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Travers v. Wakeham}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422  54 A Crim. R. 205, a decision of the Federal Court of Australia on
 an appeal from the Supreme Court of the ACT, the respondent was convicted of driving with excess alcohol, and with dangerous driving.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Both offences arose from the same course of driving.
\par 
\par The court accepted that the evidence of alcohol was admissible on the dangerous driving charge, and considered the principle of double jeopardy.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 It found that the offences were separate and distinct and that the evidence relied upon in each charge was separate and distinct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 It said (at p.216 per Jenkinson J):
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8462469 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 \'93The eviden
ce was consistent with the hypothesis that the respondent had committed two quite different offences at two different times: he deliberately drove onto the street when his recent consumption of alcohol had been of an order likely to result in a breath ana
lysis reading of .140, and he failed to exercise enough care in his driving of the car to avoid proceeding the wrong way for 300m.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
In my opinion punishment in respect of both offences excites no perception of unfairness to, or oppression of, the respondent.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par On the facts of the case of this appeal, I see no double jeopardy in the hearing of the charges.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The prosecution could rely on the Respondent\rquote s admission that he was drunk, and only one of the two incidents outlined, to show that he was incapable of controlling his motor vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Further, the evidence of drinking need not have been taken into account on the charge of dangerous driving.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 This was not a case of a lesser or greater offence, these were two separate offences arising from the same course of driving and in respect of Count 1, from evidence of drunkedness.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
To avoid unfairness in punishment, the answer lies in adjusting sentence so that any overlap in the evidence relied upon for each count is taken into account.
\par 
\par In this case, the sentence imposed for drink driving charge was $1000 and 3 months disqualification.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
The maximum sentence under section 98 of the Land Transport Act (dangerous driving) is $1000 fine (in default 12 months imprisonment) and disqualification from driving for six months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 Disqualification is not mandatory.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
In this case, because the Respondent had been sentenced to $1000 fine on Count 1, a sentence of $500 on Count 2 would have been appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 I would however have imposed a further 3 months disqualification from driving on the ground that the evidence of drunkedness was not considered in the sentence imposed on Count 1.
\par 
\par Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows the High Court, on appeal, \'93if it thinks that a different sentence should have been passed, quash the sentence passed by the magistrates\rquote 
 court and pass such other sentence warranted in law, whether more or less severe \'85\'94
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s19\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
In this case, I quash the discharge entered in respect of Count 2, and enter instead a sentence of $500 fine to be paid within 14 days (in default 2 months imprisonment) and 3 further months disqualification from driving.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8462469  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 In total the Respondent\rquote s fine is $1500, and his total period of disqualification is 6 months.
\par 
\par However, because he has already served 3 months disqualification, his further 3 months disqualification runs from the date of this judgment.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8462469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid8462469 Nazhat Shameem
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid983422 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15935081\charrsid983422 
\par At Suva
\par 9th July 2004
\par }}