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{\author Information Technology Unit}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2004\mo10\dy19\hr10\min8}{\revtim\yr2004\mo10\dy19\hr10\min8}{\printim\yr2004\mo6\dy9\hr15\min15}{\version2}{\edmins2}{\nofpages5}{\nofwords1935}{\nofchars11030}
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 CRIMINAL CASE NO: HAC 028 OF 2003S
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 v.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 RATU JOPE SENILOLI
\par RATU RAKUITA VAKALALABURE
\par VILIAME VOLAVOLA
\par ISIRELI LEWENIQILA
\par PECELI RINAKAMA
\par VILIAME SAVU
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  June 2004
\par Ruling:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  June 2004
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 Counsel: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Mr. G. Allen & Ms A. Prasad for State
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Mr. M. Raza for 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Accused
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Mr. S. Valenitabua for 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Accused
\par Mr. S. Naqase for 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  & 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Accused
\par Mr. D. Sharma for 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Accused
\par Mr. A. Seru for 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Accused
\par 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The accused person
s Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure and Mr. Peceli Rinakama were originally represented by Mr. Kitione Vuataki.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
At the pre-trial conference, on the 24}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 of May 2004, (at which Mr. Vuataki was absent) I raised the question of Mr. Vuataki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 s representation of these 
two accused persons at the trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
I raised the question because at the trial of Timoci Silatolu and Josefa Nata, Mr. Vuataki himself drew to the attention of the presiding judge, Wilson J, the fact that he was mentioned in the depositions, and himself tol
d the judge that he could not appear as counsel for Mr. Silatolu.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
He was given leave to withdraw and Mr. Silatolu was given time to find alternative counsel.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par A perusal of the depositions in this case showed a similar situation in this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Indeed, cou
nsel for Mr. Leweniqila went further and said that he wished to call Mr. Vuataki as a witness at this trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
In the circumstances Mr. Vuataki clearly could not appear as counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 adjourned to the 26}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 of May to discuss the matter with Mr. Vuataki.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 However he again failed to appear.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 No explanation was sent to the court as to his absence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 I ruled that Mr. Vuataki could not be counsel and witness in the same case and both accused were advised to find alternative counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 I then called the case on several days to check on their representation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 On the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 of June, I was told by both accused that they had not taken steps to instruct anyone as they still wanted Mr. Vuataki as their counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 When I explained my ruling of 24}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 May 2004 to them, that it was in their own interests to find a lawyer who was not in a conflict of interest situation, they undertook to instruct alternative counsel.
\par 
\par On the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June 2004, the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused said that he was having discussions with the other counsel in the case with a view to being represented by one of them.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He also said he wanted to be represented by Mr. Valenitabua who was requested by the court to appear the following day.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 On the following day Mr. Valenitabua did indeed appear, but he said that he had received no instructions to represent the 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 accused, that he had not read the depositions and could not take instructions unless the trial commenced at the end of August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Since he was not the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 s counsel, he asked to be excused from the proceedings.
\par 
\par The matter was called again on the 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June to check on representation.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
This time Mr. A. Seru sent a message to the court that he represented the accused but could not come to court because of a landslide at Veisari.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He asked for the matter to be called the following day, that is the 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 I agreed and advised all counsel in open court.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 However, the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused said Mr. Seru was not his lawyer but that he still wanted Mr. Valenitabua, and wanted an adjournment to allow Mr. Valenitabua}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 s dates 
to be accommodated. I informed him that he needed first to instruct Mr. Valenitabua as counsel, and then to come to court to formally ask for an adjournment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 accused agreed to do this by the 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June.
\par 
\par The trial is set for June the 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 That date was set in February of this year, and all counsel then on the record agreed to that date.
\par 
\par This application for adjournment arises out of Mr. Vuataki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
s disqualification as counsel, the factual basis of which Mr. Vuataki must have known as early as the 21}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 of August 2003, when witness statements and other documents were first served on him, and the accused persons}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 inability to instruct counsel from the 24}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of May 2004 to the 9}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Although the cause of this difficulty faced by these tw
o accused must lie fairly and squarely at the door of their counsel, there can be no dispute that the accused persons cannot be blamed for it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 They could not have known that Mr. Vuataki was disqualified from appearing as counsel, and the question for me n
ow is whether they are prejudiced by having inadequate time to brief alternative counsel, and to prepare their defence before the trial.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The law
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par Section 28(1)(d) of the Constitution provides that every person charged has the right to defend himself or herself in person or to be represented at his or her own expense by a legal practitioner.
\par 
\par The Canadian Supreme Court in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 R v. Brydges}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  (1990) 1 SCR 190 said that this right is aimed at }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 fostering the principles of adjudicative fairness}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and to ensure a fair trial for the accused person.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
However the right to counsel is not an absolute right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
It must be weighed with the rights of any other accused person involved in the case to a speedy trial, with the rights of witnesses who may not be available if an adjou
rnment is granted, and with the public interest that criminal trials should proceed without delay.
\par 
\par Thus in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Errol Dunkley & Anr. v. The Queen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 (1995) 1 AC 419, when counsel for one of the accused withdrew during the trial leaving him unrepresented for the 
rest of the trial, the Privy Council held that where an accused person was left unrepresented through no fault of his own, the interests of justice required that in all but the most exceptional circumstances there should be a reasonable adjournment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The a
ccused was prejudiced by lack of representation particularly because he was deprived of the advantage of skilled cross-examination, and his conviction for murder was quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Mitchell v. The Queen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 (1999) 1 WLR 1679, a decision of the Privy Council from Jamaica, counsel withdraw on the second day of trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
The accused wished to represent himself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 There was evidence that he did not do so competently.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The Privy Council held that the judge should have adjourned the case to allow the accused to find alternative counsel.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 However in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Robinson v. The Queen}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  (1985) AC 956, also a decision from Jamaica to the Privy Council, counsel withdrew at the beginning of the trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 An application was made for time to apply for legal aid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
However the judge refused because of the unavailability of witnesses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
The Privy Council held that a trial judge had to balance a number of factors before deciding on whether or not to adjourn, and the availability of witnesses was one such factor.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Further since the absence of legal representation was caused jointly by the accused (who had not paid counsel) and his counsel, there was no breach of the right to counsel.
\par 
\par In }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Romanu Naceva & Others v. State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 Crim. App. AAU0014 of 1998S, all accused persons were represented by one lawyer, in a case of murder.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Half way through the trial, counsel said that there was a conflict between the defences of the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused and sought leave to represent only the 5}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 An application for mistrial was refused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that because of the complex issues of fact and law involved in the trial, and because they were deprived of counsel through no fault of their own, the convictions could not stand.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Finally, the High Court of Australia in }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Dietrich v. The Queen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  (1992) CLR 293 said:
\par 
\par }\pard\plain \s18\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6642483 \f2\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 "}{
\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
In the absence of exceptional circumstances, a judge faced with an application for an adjournment or a stay by an indigent accused charged with a serious offence, who, through no fault is unable to obtain legal representation, should adj
ourn, postpone or stay the trial until legal representation is available.}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 "}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par The two accused persons in this case are not indigent, but they are now victims of circumstances which are not of their making.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
At the hearing of this application, on the 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June 2004, they were finally represented by counsel, the 2}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused by Mr. Valenitabua, and the 5}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused by Mr. Seru.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Neither counsel had read the depositions although Mr. Seru had been briefed on the 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He said that his client had not yet 
retrieved his papers from Mr. Vuataki.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 However he said he was committed in the Magistrates}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Courts until the end of August, but was available for this trial in September.
\par 
\par Mr. Valenitabua said he had only been briefed by the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused on the morning of the 8}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June and was fully booked until late August.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He also said he needed time to prepare for trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The 2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused therefore request an adjournment until (at least) the beginning of September.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par There are however, more than one counsel in this case, and more than one accused.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
All defence counsel agree that some length of adjournment is in the interests of justice, but thereafter there is no consensus as to the length of it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Mr. Raza, for the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 accused is before Winter J for one month from the 16}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of August for a High Court trial.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He is however happy to re-arrange his Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Court dates to accommodate this trial thereafter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Mr. Naqase for the 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused is fully booked in September at a High Court trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
He is prepared to re-arrange his other Magistrates}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  Court dates to accommodate this trial.
\par 
\par Mr. Sharma who also agreed that the hearing be adjourned to accommodate the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 5}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  accused, said he was only available for the trial until the 26}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He said that September was not suitable for him as he had a High Court trial commencing in mid-September.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 He suggested that if the trial could not proceed in June, then it should be adjourned until November to accommodate the prosecutors.
\par 
\par Mr. Allan said that leading counsel Mr. Tedeschi was only available if the trial commenced before the 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 of July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Even then, he said, if the trial proceeded until the end of August, Mr. Tedeschi would have only one week to prepare for a murder trial commencing in New South Wales in the second week of September.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Further, Mr. Allan himself is conducting another prosecution before Gates J from the 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of July and would be unavailable thereafter for an uncertain length of time.
\par 
\par Quite apart from the various requests of counsel, my own diary is now full until the legal vacation in December, and any adjournment beyond the end of June would result in the re-listing of other cases, already set before me.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 In some of those cases, there are accused persons waiting in custody to be tried.
\par 
\par It is apparent that counsel in this case are unable to agree on a suitable date for adjournment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Any consideration of the application, as I have said, includes a balancing of the interests of all accused persons, and also of the prosecution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 While it is important to consider the interests of the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 accused, it is also important that the rights and interests of their co-accused should not be prejudiced.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
All the accused have already complained of the delay in the hearing of this case, and have sought a stay on that basis.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Although that application was unsuccessful, their complaints of delay are relevant to this application.
\par 
\par I accept that this is not a simple case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The elements of the offence may not be overly complicated, but there are evident
ial issues which need to be considered by counsel before trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
Some of these I have already outlined in the ruling delivered on the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Multi-accused trials are never simple, and when there are other issues to be considered, such as the possibi
lity of the leading of evidence suggesting the commission of offences which do not appear on the Information, counsel need to be well-prepared and briefed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Finally, as I have said, Mr. Vuataki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
s inability to appear is not the fault of the accused.
\par 
\par For these reasons I consider that it is in the interests of justice to adjourn the hearing date to allow counsel for the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  and 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
 accused to be properly briefed and prepared.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 However, I am unable to accommodate Mr. Seru}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 s request for a September date, and Mr. Valenitabua}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 s request for a September or November date.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
These dates are not suitable for the other counsel in this case.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 They are not suitable for my own diary.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 I see no reason why the interests of the other accused persons in this case, and of the p
rosecution, should be prejudiced in favour of the interests of two of the accused persons, especially when the interests of the latter can be met by a shorter adjournment to allow them to brief new counsel.
\par 
\par I am therefore prepared to adjourn the hearing of the case to the 28}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  of June 2004.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 That allows the two accused 18 days to brief counsel and prepare for trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 If Mr. Seru and Mr. Valenitabua cannot accept these dates, then arrangements must be made by the accused to brief alternative counsel.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642483  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 If h
owever, having being given this opportunity to instruct counsel the accused fail to avail themselves of it, then they must be prepared to appear unrepresented by counsel.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 The application for adjournment succeeds to this extent.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 Nazhat Shameem
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6642483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 
\par At Suva
\par 10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5312573\charrsid6642483  June 2004
\par }}