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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 MISCELLANEOUS CASES NO. HAM 12 & 18 OF 2004
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
IN THE MATTER of Applications for Bail Pending Trial in Criminal Case No. 8 of 2002 in the High Court of Fiji at Suva.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 SISARO TALEMAITOGA
\par JOJI RAVUWAI
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Applicant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 THE STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 20th April, 2004
\par Ruling:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 20th April, 2004
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194 Counsel: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 Ms. B. Malimali }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 - for 1st Applicant
\par Mr. F. Haniff - for 2nd Applicant
\par Mr. P. Bulamainaivalu - for the State
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 EX}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 TEMPORE JUDGMENT
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\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Introduction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par These are fresh applications for bail pending trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
The accused are charged with the robbery and murder of a taxi driver on the 26th of January 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
At interview it is said that the applicants admitted the offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The allegation is a very serious one.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The applicants are first offenders.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They have no history of court order defiance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
They have no relevant criminal history.
\par 
\par The applicants have been in custody since January 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The application is primarily based on section 13(4) of the Bail Act 2002.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 This section provides that the Court \'93must\'94
 release a person charged with an offence once they have been in custody for over 2 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par 
\par Counsel for the applicant Talemaitoga has provided a helpful chronology of events.
\par 
\par The chronology omits certain concessions made by these applicants during the course of the two-year period they have been in remand.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 These concessions made during various calls of the case are detailed in the judges notes contained in the main trial file.
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 On the 21st of October 2002 Mr. Ravuwai\rquote s then counsel asked for trial in March 2003.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Counsel\rquote s request was granted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 This is a grace period of 5 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
On the 10th of March 2003 when the trial proper was due to start it had to be vacated because the third accused (not a party to these bail applications) by his counsel was not available to proceed with the hearing.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 However, Mr. Ravuwai was not available until July and Mr. Talemaitoga\rquote 
s counsel requested that a new fixture not be set until June.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 That is a grace period of 3/4 months in respect of each applicant.}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The trial was then set to proceed on the 10th of November.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The case again had to be adjourned because the third accused counsel was not ready to proceed with the trial.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 At this time Mr. Talemaitoga\rquote s counsel consented to the case not being set until April of 2004.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 This is a grace period of 5 months.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par Mr. Ravuwai\rquote s counsel observes that in respect of the legal vacation, this period should be excluded and I agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
He also indicates a willingness on the part of the accused to proceed to trial at all times.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
He says it was either systematic or counsel unavailability at the root of these grace periods.
\par 
\par I am prepared to accept that submission in part. 
\par 
\par I record in respect of the consent given by Mr. Ravuwai\rquote s counsel on the 10th of November that Counsel for the co-accused Mr. Talemaitoga specifically reserved his client\rquote 
s position and would not consent to the fixture set for the 10th of November being vacated.
\par 
\par In summary by the process of consent or at counsel\rquote s direct request both of these applicants have been granted their requests for a total grace period of 9 months each before the trial proper commenced.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 That is without any discretionary adjustment to allow for legal vacation or systematic delay.
\par 
\par These delays in proceedings are important.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The
 basis of applications under section 13(4) of the Bail Act 2002 are specifically subject to the provisions of sub-section 6.
\par 
\par This sub-section provides that in calculating a 2-year period in section 13(4) the Courts should exclude any period of delay caused by the \'93fault\'94 of the applicant.
\par 
\par In this regard I concur with the observations of my brother Justice Gates in the }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 State v Albertino Shankar and Francis Narayan }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 
Cr. Action HAM0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 014.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 03 where at page 12 he says: \'93
in a sense the non-availability of defence counsel on 2 occasions and the refusal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
to accept his counsel by accused one are to be considered as \'93faults\'94 in the process of litigation attributed to the two accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 A certain amount of discretion may have to be exercised by the courts on occasion to alleviate the harshness this approach.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 But I read \'93fault\'94 in section 13(6) to mean \'93litigation fault for which the accused is to be held responsible\'94 as opposed to \'93personal fault of the accused\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 His honour went on to find that there were months to be ded
ucted from the qualifying period spent in custody for the purposes of section 13(4) and 6 as the accused were granted various grace periods to suit their convenience or the convenience of their}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 counsel before a substantive trial was commenced.
\par 
\par It is therefore my first finding that by the operation of section 13(6) I can safely exclude a period of 6 months from the accruing time the applicants have submitted that they have been in custody.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The accused by counsel assumed responsibility for those delays for the purposes of section 13(4).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The delays should be excluded from the calculation of time spent in custody.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Accordingly I find when the adjustment is made that the accruing time in custody is now some 20 months for the purposes of assessment under section 13(4) of the Bail Act 2002.
\par 
\par I am however troubled by the length of time of these accused have spent in custody awaiting trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
The application does not end here.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 There is an assumption of entitlement to liberty the State must rebutt.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 I now proceed to consider the provisions of section 19 of the Act and weigh up the 3 statutory considerations.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The onus throughout in these applications rests on the State.
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
Likelihood of Surrender to Custody
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The applicants are aged 20 and 21.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
They still reside with and are looked after by extended family and parents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They have no relevant previous convictions.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
They have a good support network that is likely to ensure they will surrender themselves to the custody of the Court for the purposes of trial.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 However, balanced against these positive aspects of their application is the extreme seriousness of the allegations they face.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 At present it appears clear that they admitted the offence of robbery during the caution interview and charge statements.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 There is naturally a desire in all of us to avoid fronting up to onerous responsibilities.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
However, I have formed the view on a very fine balance that both of the accused despite the charges they face would with the support of their sureties surrender themselves for the purpose of these proceedings.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194\charrsid13401194 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
Interests of the Defendants
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 This trial is set to commence on the 5th of July, 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
The applicant accused have been in custody for some 2 years and 2 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
The routine of remand prison life is now something with which they are familiar.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They have access to their lawyers.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They have no hindrance in terms of preparation of their cases.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They have advanced no special or personal circumstances such as employment, education, care of dependants or incapacity that indicate bail would be better for them.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 There is nothing advanced in counsel\rquote s submission in this regard.
\par 
\par The trial will proceed within the next 2 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
In my view allowing these accused the enjoyment of their liberty for 2 months may be more cruel then kind.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
If they are convicted of one or both of these offences then it is likely they will spend a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 considerable time in jail.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
To grant them their freedom now and have them enjoy a liberty that they have surrendered only to have that ripped away at trial is in my view a harsh penalty that goes against their interests.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 In my view their interests will not be served through the granting of bail for such a short period of time and immediately before trial.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 However, Mr. Haniff for Ravuwai submits to the Court that his client appreciates those risks and nonetheless seeks bail.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Ms. Malimali agrees.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Again on the balance I cannot refuse bail on this ground.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Public Interest and Protection of the Community
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 There is nothing in the background of either of these applicant accused that indicates an evil or 
bad upbringing and a wanton disregard for the law such that the community might look to the Court in this application and demand protection.
\par 
\par However, the public interest factor is reflected in three considerations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Firstly, that this trial proceed on time
, unhindered and uninterrupted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
Second, that a public confidence is maintained by the appropriate security of accused charged with most serious offences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
The third consideration is the possibility of interference with prosecution witnesses 7 and 8 the younger brother and mother of Mr. Talemaitoga.
\par 
\par We are on the eve of trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
If I were to grant bail even on the strictest terms in my view there was a risk that one or more of the witnesses presently scheduled for the hearing may even unintentionally be affected by the grant of bail this time.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Put simply a grant of bail to these accused at this time is perhaps not worth the risk.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 That risk can however be ameliorated by the imposition of strict conditions.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 I cannot refuse bail on this ground.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Conclusion
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 The trial is 2 months away.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
There is much preparation to be done by the defence to meet these serious charges.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
That preparation in my view would be enhanced by the applicants remaining in custody pending hearing without the distraction of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
reforming attachments to friends and family during a short period of liberty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 They are however presumed to be entitled to bail.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 By a very narrow margin the State have not convinced me that bail should be declined.
\par 
\par However, there will be strict conditions that I want enforced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 I
f any condition is breached I expect the State to take appropriate steps to estreat bail and bring the accused back before me.
\par 
\par The condition of bail will be attached as a schedule to this extempore judgment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 I intend to grant bail from tomorrow after the 
applicants and their sureties have come to Court to hear me read these conditions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13401194  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
Bail will not be granted until the terms of bail have been understood, acknowledged and met.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13401194 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3615882\charrsid13401194 
\par At Suva
\par 21st April, 2004
\par }}