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blake_r}{\creatim\yr2004\mo10\dy19\hr10\min32}{\revtim\yr2004\mo10\dy19\hr10\min32}{\printim\yr2004\mo8\dy18\hr15\min29}{\version2}{\edmins4}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1014}{\nofchars5781} {\*\company }{\nofcharsws6782}{\vern16389}}\margr1440\margb720 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot16742366 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid16742366 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid16742366 4}}}{\cs16\insrsid16742366 \par }\pard \s15\ql 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\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 AT SUVA \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 APPELLATE JURISDICTION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO.: HAA 063 OF 2004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 FAIYAZ ALI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 f/n Hassan Ali \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Appellant \par }\pard \ql 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{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Mr. E. Veretawatini - for the Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Mr. D. Toganivalu - for State \par \par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 11th August 2004 \par Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 20th August 2004 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Introduction \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par The appellant was alleged to have dangerously driven a motor vehicle on Ratu Mara Road on the 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 of September, 2002 and at the same time it is alleged he was under the influence of intoxicating liquor to such an extent that he was unable to have proper control of the car. \par \par The curial history of the matter is important and is accordingly repeated here in full: \par \par }\trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 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{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Adjourned for 1 month to allow legal instruction \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108 \row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 6 December 2002 \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 No appearance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Warrant issued.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 23 December 2002 \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Warrant cancelled.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Fresh bail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Adjourned for mention.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 24 January 2003 \par \cell \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Hearing date set.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 19 May 2003\cell \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 At Prosecution request hearing vacated and adjourned.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Application supported by appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 New hearing date set. \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108 \row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 5 August 2003 \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Court unable to proceed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 New hearing date set.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 5 November 2003 \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Adjournment at defence request.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par 10 February 2004 \par \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Appearance and plea.\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \trowd \lastrow \ts11\trqc\trgaph108\trleft267\trbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrh\brdrs\brdrw10 \trbrdrv\brdrs\brdrw10 \trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid16742366 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb \brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2073\clshdrawnil \cellx2340\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw10 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth6768\clshdrawnil \cellx9108 \row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The appellant has throughout been represented by counsel.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 He has maintained his not guilty plea since the 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 of May, 2003.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Indeed on occasions he has been ready to proceed to a defended hearing.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 He appeared on the 10}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 of February, 2004 unrepresented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 His counsel was late for Court but had at least done the courtesy of faxing an explanation for his lateness and requesting that his matters be stood down until 11.00am that morning.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The case was called.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 A plea of guilty is recorded to the charges. \par \par Counsel subsequently appeared as recorded at 10.05am and asked for his client}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 s plea to be vacated as it was entered in error.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par \par The Court adjourned to consider the matter and gave a ruling the following morning which reads as follows: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 As appears from the Court record and Counsel}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 '}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 s statement in Court today, the Accused knew what he was charged with and that he had instructed his Counsel to deny the charge and accordingly pleaded not guilty on 19.5.2003. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Yesterday, his Counsel w as absent when the case was called for hearing and the accused then decided, without any prompting, that he was changing his plea to guilty after which the court proceeded with the matter and ordered a total fine of $700.00 in both counts. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 I am of the vie w that the Accused made an unequivocal plea of guilty when the charge was read and explained to him.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 I will therefore not set aside the guilty plea.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 I am however prepared to vacate my sentence to allow counsel to mitigate on behalf of his client}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The Appeal \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The appellant is represented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 } {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 He filed 5 grounds of appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 In essence he wants his conviction overturned and the matter referred back to the Magistrates Court for hearing. \par \par In support of those grounds on appeal counsel has filed very helpful points and authorities.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 It is claimed the guilty plea was equivocal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The defendant was expecting his counsel to be present.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 He misunderstood the situation and entered an incorrect plea.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 He had never intended to do so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The events of the moment overtook him. \par \par The State accepts the factual background.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Counsel quite properly does not strongly oppose the appeal. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Decision \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 A decision given by my sister Justice Shameem is particularly relevant to this case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 It is a decision of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Epeli Duve, Milio Vuetibau an d Minilote Vakavanua v The State,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Criminal Appeal No. HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 028 of 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 At page 14 of the judgment, her honour said: \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 \i\f169\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Although lack of legal representation at the time the plea is taken, does not inevitably lead to a vacating of the plea when counsel later appears, the question of whether the accused might have benefited from legal advice before pleading guilty of an offence in respect of which he might have a defence is a relevant factor is the exercise of this discretion.}{ \f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 It was held in R \endash v- Bournmouth JJ ex p Maquire (1997) COD 21 DC (cited in Archbold 202 Para 4-187) that an application for change of plea should be allowed if the court is satisfied that it is arguable that the prosecution case would not be able to establish all the essential ingredien ts of the offence.}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par Earlier in the judgment when referring to an argument raised on 28(1)(d) of the Constitution (the right to counsel) her honour commented: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 As I have said before, on the basis of authorities from jurisdictions which have the same Constitutional or legislative provision, the duty to inform accused persons of this right, rests on the court before which the accused are first brought.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The right must be explained to them before the charges are read to them.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 A waiver of the right will not b e lightly implied, and any specific waiver must be recorded before the court can proceed to take the pleas (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 State \endash v- Surend Singh and Others}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 , Crim. App. No. HAA}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 0}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 079 of 2000). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 When the court proceeds without counsel, a heavy duty rests on it to ensure that the accused are not prejudiced by lack of legal representation.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The more serious the charge, and more difficult or complicated the defence, the heavier the duty is upon the court to ensure lack of prejudice.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 "}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par In this case the State does not dispute that there was a breach of this right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The right was certainly not explained to the accused and there was no competent waiver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The record for the 10}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 of February, 2004 simply indicates that the charge was read and acknowledged and a plea of guilty was entered. \par \par In circumstances where the accused has been represented over a lengthy period of time and then appears unrepresented for a hearing the court must be vigilant to ascertain that any decisions made by the accused are unequivocal and proper.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 At the ve ry least the accused in these circumstances should be re-warned of his constitutional rights and a clear and unequivocal waiver of representation must be obtained before noting a vacation of the not guilty plea and the entering of a new guilty plea. \par \par The safest course before taking a change of plea in these circumstances is to allow the accused a short adjournment to make enquiries of the anticipated counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Conclusion \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 I find here that this accused was prejudiced by the absence of counsel.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 It is a fair inference that the plea was one of convenience only and not a sincere acknowledgment of guilt.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The failure to re-advise the accused of his right to counsel before the new plea was taken is in breach of his s.28 right to counsel. The plea of guilty and the conviction are set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 The case is remitted to the Magistrates Court to proceed to trial before another Magistrate on }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366 the basis of a not guilty plea.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 Gerard Winter \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 \par At Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16742366 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742366\charrsid16742366 20th August, 2004 \par }}