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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2006\mo3\dy30\hr14\min7}{\revtim\yr2006\mo3\dy30\hr14\min7}{\printim\yr2004\mo3\dy3\hr15\min46}{\version2}{\edmins2}{\nofpages9}{\nofwords2848}{\nofchars16238}{\*\company  }
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\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 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\pararsid3019187 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 CR. CASE NO. HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 004 OF 2002
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 BETWEEN:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 STATE
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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 ISIMELI DRODROVEIVALI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187 
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187 Mr. B. Solanki -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  for the State
\par Mr. R. Matebalavu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187  -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  for the Accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 
\par 
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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3019187 
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\par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
On the original information the accused was charged with 44 counts of larceny by servant contrary to section 274(a)(i) of the Penal Code.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 At trial those 44 counts were reduced to 8.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The accused was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
\par 
\par Mr. Solanki for the State opened and informed the court that he intended to proceed and prove these charges by reference to 8 sets of documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 These were bank cheques and associated vouchers said to have been used by the accused to steal money from his employer.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The first witness was called and led in evidence to a point where he would have enabled production of the first in the series of 8 exhibits.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Objection was taken.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The defence asked that a point of law be decided on the admissibility of these documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 They were not the originals.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 They were not carbon copies.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 They were not photocopies of the original.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It became common ground that they were a second copy of a copy of the original.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The originals had been stolen.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The certified copies of the originals had been lost.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 I accordingly proceeded to hear
 evidence on this preliminary issue as a matter of law in the absence of the assessors.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 EVIDENCE}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
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\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The first crown witness Mr. Birendra Singh formerly an officer of NBF Asset Management Bank, was working at the bank at the same time as the accused.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The witness assisted the police with a fraud enquiry by gathering together various bank documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In this regard he obtained a series of bank cheques, credit vouchers and debit vouchers relating to certain transactions undertaken by the accused.
\par 
\par Mr. Singh knew that these documents were given to Detective Constable Chand to photocopy.
\par 
\par The originals and the photocopies were brought back to Mr. Singh to certify.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
After completing that task Mr. Singh gave the documents back to Detective Chand to pass them on to his Sgt.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par 
\par Mr. Singh was shown each of the documents and they were marked for intended production (exhibits 1 A&B through to exhibits 8 A&B).
\par 
\par In respect of each document the witness confirmed he had seen the documents in the bank and that his identification mark, a signature, was on each document under the words certified copy.
\par 
\par The witness confirmed in cross}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
examination that after the photocopies and certifications were made he did not see the documents again until much later.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He tempered his original evidence by conceding that the documents resembled the original but he accepted he did not know that the documents shown to him were photocopies of photocopies taken in the bank.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 
 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In addition the witness conceded that he could not confirm the resemblance of the documents for another reason.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The A4 copies shown to him that he certified were on a perfect and unaltered piece of A4 paper.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The purported exhibit in every case had two holes punched through it.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Accordingly the physical appearance of the document was not the same as the document he saw when the photocopy of the original was taken and he put a certification stamp on it.
\par 
\par The next witness called by the Prosecution, Actg. Detective Sgt. Mukesh Chand was assigned to this particular investigation when he was a Detective Constable.
\par 
\par He was under the direct supervision of Sgt. Ravin and carried out any task designated to him by the Sgt. to assist him in the inquiry.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He confirmed that Sgt. Ravin gave him a folio of documents at the bank containing original debit vouchers, bank cheques and credit vouchers.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He was to make photocopies of the documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He did this manually on a photocopier in the bank premises.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Having copied the 35 sets he gave them back to the previous witness for certification.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Certification was comple
ted in his presence but there was no evidence from the witness that he participated in the process of comparison between the original and the photocopy.
\par 
\par After certification was completed he gave the bundle of documents to his Sgt. He was asked by the Sgt. to keep the originals in his locked bag and he did so.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The certified true copies where kept somewhere else.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He did not know where they were kept.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He then gave evidence that the originals safely locked in his bag went missing sometime on the 10
}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  of May 1999.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He reported that matter and there was as he put a }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 continuous search}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  for the missing documents but they could not be found.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 As a result of this an internal investigation was commenced alleging the Sgt. was negligent in his care of these original documents.
\par 
\par The witness then said as a result of this investigation process the Sgt. asked the detective to photocopy a set of the originally certified photocopy documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 So once more the detective was given a bundle of documents and set to the task of photocopying on this occasion some 61 items.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 These were handed back to the Sgt. for safekeeping.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Again there was no direct evidence of comparison.
\par 
\par Detective Chand then proceeded on peacekeeping duties in Kosovo and was away from Fiji between the 14}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
 of October 2000 to the 14}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  of January 2002.
\par 
\par He did not know what happened to the photocopy documents during his absence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He did not see documents relating to the case until the 2}
{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 nd}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  of March 2004.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He was then shown each of the documents marked for production.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He i
dentified each set as resembling those photocopied by him in the police station in 1999 except for the D}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
folio identification mark and punched holes in the A4 sheet.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He did not how the punched holes got into the sheets.
\par 
\par The witness was then cross}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 examined.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He confirmed he only ever made one copy and could not explain how the holes in the proposed exhibit were made.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 His emphasis on the photocopying happening on the 23}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 rd}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  of July 1999 (the originals) and the 11}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
 of November 1999 (photocopies of the first certified copies) weakened.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He was shown a statement he made refreshed his memory and confirmed the contents of the statement as true and correct.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He could not explain why he then said the photocopying was done on the 7}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  of April 1999 at a time when there w
ere no missing relevant original documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He commented about notes in his police notebook but neither prosecution nor defence sort leave to have him refer to those.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 ARGUMENT
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Mr. Solanki for the State submitted:
\par 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 There were originals of which the intended exhibits of 8 sets of 3 documents were part.

\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He concedes that Mr. Singh says he gave a bundle of documents to Detective Chand to photocopy but Detective Chand says he received the documents from his Sgt.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Mr. Singh certifies the copies as correct copies of the originals.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Mr. Singh gives the bundle back to Detective Chand.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 5.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Detective Chand gives the bundle to his Sgt.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 6.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The Sgt. gives the originals back to Detective Chand with a request that he lock them up in his brief case.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 7.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The certified copies were at that time kept in a file but no one can say where.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 8.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The originals were stolen.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 9.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
A bundle of documents marked certified copy were given by Sgt. Ravin to the Detective to photocopy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
That bundle was given back to Sgt. Ravin.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 10.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The first copied certified documents went missing.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 11.\tab}}\pard \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The State were attempting to produce before the Court copies of copies.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It did not know what generation of copy.
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par Quite properly Mr. Solanki conceded that the witnesses were silent on the issue of comparison or verification of the intended exhibits.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The State has no evidence that Detective Chand compared the originals with the first copy or the first copy with the second copy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 If indeed it is the second copy that is presently before the Court marked for intended production.
\par 
\par Again the State quite properly concedes that it can\rquote t explain the holes in the A4 photocopy page.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
It has no evidence to confirm the chain of integrity of the evidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
It is unable to call Sgt. Ravin as he now lives in the United States of America.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Accordingly Mr. So
lanki concedes that the State also in the absence of that evidence has difficulties with the chain of integrity.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
However having made that concession he points to the evidence of Mr. Singh and his personal recollection of the documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He was familiar with them and had little doubt that the document he sighted in Court was what he certified as he recognised his identification mark.
\par 
\par For the accused Mr. Matebalavu emphasises that there is no evidence of verification from Detective Chand.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He points to the lac
una in the chain of evidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He says that accordingly the State have no evidence that the proposed exhibits are copies of the documents Mr. Singh originally certified.
\par 
\par He points to the conflict in the State\rquote s evidence about exactly when the copies were made.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Was it before or after the originals were lost and if so what exactly was photocopied.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He emphasised the witnesses ambivalence on these points.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He further highlighted the difference in appearance of the documents those photocopied by the detective were made on to whole sheets of A4 paper.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The proposed exhibits were altered in that they had holes punched on them.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The witness could not explain why.
\par 
\par In reliance on the legal requirements for the production of secondary evidence, he queries if a sufficient search was done for the originals.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In effect he points to what he says is the lack of evidence of the fact the originals were lost.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He concedes this is not his strangest argument.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14948427 THE LAW}{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The general rule is that a private document must be proved by primary evidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The rule has a long history (see Phipson (13}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
 edition) paragraphs 36.05.)}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
It is now seen as the last surviving aspect of the best evidence rule i.e. that a party must produce the best evidence which the nature of the case permits.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 However as technology has advanced the rule has been consistently challenged if not eroded by that advance.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The divisional criminal court in England in }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Kajala v Noble}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  (1982) 75 Cr. App. R.149 is a case in point.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The defendant in that case was charged with using threatening behaviour during the course of a disturbance in Southall.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par 
\par A group of youths threw missiles at the police.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The defendant was identified as one of those participating in the missile throwing by witness who had recognised him on a BBC television news bulletin concerning the disturbance.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 At the trial before magistrates the prosecution relied on a cassette recording of the film.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It was BBC policy at the time not to release the original film.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The defendant appealed on the ground that since the original film existed the prosecution should not have been allowed to rely on a copy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The divisional court did not agree.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Ackner L.J. giving the judgment of the court said: }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
the old rule, that a party must produce the best evidence that the nature of the case will allow, and that any less good evidence is to be excluded, has gone by the board long ago.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The only remaining instance of it is that, if an original movement is available in one\rquote s hands, one must produce it; that one cannot give secondary evidence by producing a copy.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Nowadays we do not confine ourselves to the best evidence.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 We admit all relevant evidence.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The goodness or badness of it goes only to weight, and not to admissibility}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 .}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par I entirely agree and adopt this principle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par 
\par A similar difficulty arose in the case of }{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 R v Lobendahn}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  Fiji Supreme Court 1972 Goudie J. 18}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  January.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In this decision the law on the question was restated.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The Learned Justice held:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The law on this question required \endash  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (a)\tab}}\pard\plain \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It must be established that the original itself formerly existed, would have been admissible in evidence, and that the copy tendered is a true and faithful production of the original.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (b)\tab}}\pard\plain \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The original must be proved to have been lost or destroyed and, if lost, due and diligent search must be established.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\s2 \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 (c)\tab}}\pard\plain \s2\ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\keepn\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls2\pnrnot0
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls2\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It must be shown what happened to the original up to the time when it was lost, and how the copy was made and came into the hands of the person tendering it.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 This entails that there must be sworn testimony from a person who saw the original and can swear to the w
hole of the details from personal recollection, or who had checked the copy with the original, and can swear that it is a faithful reproduction thereof, and this principle is not affected by reason of the fact that the copy tendered is a photostat.
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard\plain \s2\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3019187 \f35\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In the
 instant case the Court was not satisfied with the evidence as to the existence of an original document, or of a due and diligent search for the same, and Exhibit 2 would not be admitted in evidence.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  

\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3366267 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The case focused however on the absence of evidence of
 loss or destruction of the original.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 I do however concur with the learned Justice\rquote s findings where he re}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 states the common law principle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 It is necessary to prove that the second copy is a copy in fact either by calling the person who made it or some pers
on who had compared the copy and the original and demonstrated that the one faithfully reproduced the other.
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The learned authors in Cross on Evidence, 7}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 th}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
 New Zealand Edition, November 2001, page 752 put it is way:
\par 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li720\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
There is no reason why the copy of a c
opy should not be received in evidence provided the witness producing it, or some other witness, makes it clear that the copy produced is a true copy of the first copy, and that that copy was, in its turn, a true copy of the original.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 In R v Collins* it was necessary for the prosecution to prove that the accused knew that his bank account was inoperative.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The prosecution called an assistant bank manager who produced a copy of the unsigned carbon copy of a letter sent by his colleague to the accused informing him that his account was closed.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The accused had been called upon to produce the letter.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
As he had not done so, secondary evidence was admissible.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
But the Court of Criminal Appeal held that the letter had not been properly proved by the bank manager beca
use he did not swear that the copy produced was a true copy of the carbon, or that the carbon was a true copy of the original apart from the signature.}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Had the bank manager testified to these matters, it seems that the Court would have considered the letter to have been properly proved by his evidence.}{
\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 "}{\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 *}{\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 R v Collins}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  (1960) 44 Cr. App. R.170; [1960] Crim. L.R. 490.
\par }{\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par DECISION AND FINDINGS
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 I accept the defence contention that there was no reliable evidence of comparison in the second degree.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 There was some evidence of verification from Mr. Singh.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
However that focused on his barely legible identification mark not other contents of the document.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Further it was restricted to a historic comparison of recollection.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He recollected certifying a bundle of documents.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He assumed the 8 intended exhibits were part of that bundle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He conceded the intended exhibits were different.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
They resembled the original but he could not say they were in fact photocopies of the copy taken in the bank.
\par 
\par There was some evidence but in my view it did not go far enough.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 As in }{
\b\i\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 R v Collins}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187  (supra) the real evidence required for proof of the proposed exhibit was missing.
\par 
\par That Detective Chand made no comparison is not surprising.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 His Sgt. retrieved the documents to be copied and gave them in a
 bundle to the detective.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Inside that bundle were the 8 subject documents for this trial.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The detective gave evidence that he manually photocopied the originals but no evidence that he compared the photocopies and the originals.
\par 
\par He then gave the entire bundle of originals and copies to Mr. Singh for the purpose of certification.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
This happened across the desk from the detective but without his participation.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
I find that he did not actually compare what he photocopied with the originals.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Why should he?}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 That was Mr. Singh\rquote s task.
\par 
\par After certification the documents were again bundled together and given to the Sgt. He did not have a secure place for them.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He separated out the originals, put them in a bundle and asked the detective to keep them safe in his locked brief case.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The Sgt. kept the certified copies.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Where exactly, we don\rquote t know.
\par 
\par There then follows a remarkable chain of events that sees first the original documents stolen from the detective\rquote s locked briefcase and then Mr. Singh\rquote s certified copies go missing.
\par 
\par Fortunately as a result of internal investigations Detective Chand is again tasked by his Sgt. to photocopy a bundle of certified copies.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 The detective again manually photocopied that bundle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
I find again he was performing a routine task and not paying much attention to the individual documents in the large bundle he was required to photocopy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par 
\par He gave no evidence that at any time he compared the documents in that bundle with what he had first photocopied.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He did not at any time compare or verify as a true copy any particular document he was given to duplicate in a bundle.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He then gives the bundle back to his Sgt. and does not see any of its contents until a long time later.
\par 
\par The detective constable went overseas to perform peacekeeping duties in Kosovo.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
He does not hear of this matter again until early this year.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
His memory about the processes of photocopying was not refreshed until Monday of this week.
\par 
\par It was therefore little wonder that the detective\rquote s evidence was tentative and uncertain under cross}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 -}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 examination.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 This all happened many years ago.
\par 
\par He could not assist with evidence of comparison.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He could not explain punch holes in the exhibits marked for identification.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He conceded the contradiction in his evidence about exactly when it was that the second copy was made by him.}{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 He could not adequately explain a confusion about dates of the photocopying; before or after the original documents went missing.
\par 
\par The State were unable to call any other witnesses to provide confirmation of the chain of security of these intended exhibits.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
The State did not call any evidence to demonstrate any basis of comparison between certified copy and copy.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
Mr. Solanki was unable to call any evidence to clarify the apparent contradiction in Detective Chand\rquote s evidence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Th
e State quite properly in my view made appropriate concessions about the strength of its case.
\par 
\par As tempting as it is to fill in the State\rquote s case with inference that as these documents looked similar they must be the same.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
That would be wrong.
\par 
\par The evidential burden of proving these documents admissible lies with the state.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
There was no reliable evidence that the copies sought to be produced were a true copy of the certified copy or a true copy of the original apart from the signature of Mr. Singh.
\par 
\par There was no evidence to confirm the chain of custody of this bundle of documents.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
There was no evidence to confirm what was sought to be produced was in }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267 fact sourced from the original.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 
\par 
\par Had the state been able to produce evidence about these matters the Court\rquote s decision may have been different.
\par 
\par For these reasons I grant the defence\rquote s application and uphold the objection to the production of the documents variously marked for identification as Exhibit 1 A&B to 8 A&B.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187  }{
\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 They cannot therefore be produced at this trial.
\par 
\par I am grateful to counsel for the professional and diligent way they discharged their duties.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 
\par 
\par }\pard \s2\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3366267 {\b\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 [ Gerard Winter ]
\par }{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3019187 Judge}{\b\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187 
\par }\pard \s2\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3019187 {\f0\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3366267 
\par }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 At Suva
\par 3}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267 rd}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366267\charrsid3366267  March, 2004}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3019187\charrsid3366267 
\par }}