{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch181\stshfloch181\stshfhich181\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}
{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f181\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020f0502020204030204}Calibri;}{\f187\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f188\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}
{\f190\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f191\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f192\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f193\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}
{\f194\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f195\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f537\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f538\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f540\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}
{\f541\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f542\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}{\f543\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f544\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f545\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}
{\f546\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}{\f1997\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Calibri CE;}{\f1998\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Calibri Cyr;}{\f2000\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Calibri Greek;}{\f2001\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Calibri Tur;}
{\f2004\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Calibri Baltic;}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;
\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid473749 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\loch\f181\hich\af181\dbch\af181\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{
\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f35\fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden \styrsid9770927 Balloon Text;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar
\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid6907673 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid6907673 page number;}{
\s18\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext18 \styrsid6907673 footer;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}
{\*\pgptbl {\pgp\ipgp0\itap0\li0\ri0\sb0\sa0}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid473749\rsid2701649\rsid3366802\rsid4549416\rsid5529948\rsid5923634\rsid6509836\rsid6907673\rsid7669638\rsid7695255\rsid7944700\rsid9004337\rsid9184087\rsid9770927\rsid10048449\rsid10510969
\rsid12596462\rsid13769403\rsid14642536\rsid15756890}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author Paul Madigan}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2010\mo6\dy15\hr13\min58}{\revtim\yr2010\mo6\dy15\hr14}
{\printim\yr2010\mo6\dy8\hr12\min40}{\version3}{\edmins2}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1018}{\nofchars5803}{\nofcharsws6808}{\vern24689}}\margl1440\margr1440 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1440\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct
\asianbrkrule\rsidroot473749\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4549416 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4549416 \chftnsepc 
\par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4549416 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid4549416 \chftnsepc 
\par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6907673\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4549416 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid7944700 PAGE  }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid13769403 3}}}{\cs17\insrsid7944700 .
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid7944700 
\par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}
{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT LAUTOKA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 CRIMINAL CASE NO. HAC 045 OF 200}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7944700\charrsid13769403 9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 vs
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9184087\charrsid13769403 MOHAMMED ATIK
\par s/o}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403  Mohammed Hanif}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9184087\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \fi720\li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7944700\charrsid13769403 Mr J. Si}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 ngh for the State
\par Accused in person
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Date of Hearing:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 \tab 7 June 2010\tab 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Date of Ruling:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 \tab  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 7 June 2010}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403\charrsid13769403 VOIR DIRE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  RULING

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 [1]\tab The State is seeking to adduce into evidence at the substantive trial, one interview conducted under caution with the accused on the 23rd
 June 2009 along with a Charge Statement made on the following day; both of which contain admissions to the charge of attempted murder that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 the accused}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  is facing.
\par 
\par [2]\tab The }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 accused objects}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  to their admissibility on the grounds of assaults on arrest and during the interview.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 When I asked for further and better particulars of the assaults, the 
accused advised me that he had been assaulted with a wooden stick both at the scene of arrest and at the station and that he had been assaulted with stones at the scene. He further sa}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 
id that incriminatory parts of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 the cautio}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 n}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  interview }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 (but not the charge statement) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 had bee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 n}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  fabricated by the statement taker.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 
Interestingly on an earlier date, the accused had never mentioned assaults at the scene of arrest.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 The Legal Tests
\par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 [3]\tab The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Ganga Ram and Shiu Charan v R}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  1983 (unreported) outlined the two-part test for the exclusion of confessions at p.8:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
it will be remembered that there are two matters each of which requires consideration in this area.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
First, it must be established affirmatively by the Crown (sic) beyond reasonable doubt t
hat the statements were voluntary in the sense that they were not procured by improper practices such as the use of force, threats of prejudice or inducement by offer of some advantage \endash  which has been picturesquely described as }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 the flattery of hope or the tyranny of fear}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  Ibrahim v R (1914) A.C. 599; DPP v Ping Lin (1976) A.C. 574.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7669638\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
Secondly, even if such voluntariness is established there is also need to consider whether the more general ground of unfairness exists in the way in which police behaved, p
erhaps by breach of the Judges Rules falling short of overbearing the will, by trickery or by unfair treatment.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
(R v Sanag (1980) A.C. 402, 436CE).}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
This is a matter of overriding discretion and one cannot specifically categorise the matters which might be taken into account.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 [4]\tab 
It is for me to decide therefore whether this interview was conducted freely and not as a result of threats, assaults or inducements made to the accused by a person or persons in authority [in this case obviously the Police].}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Secondly, if I find that there has been oppression or unfairness, then I can in my discretion exclude}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  the interview.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 Finally, if his common law}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  rights }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 under have}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
 been breached, then that will lead to exclusion of the confessions obtained thereby, unless the Prosecution can show that the suspect was not thereby prejudiced.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 These rights include}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
 the right (i) to have a legal representative of his choice and (ii) have access to family or next-of-kin.
\par 
\par [5]\tab The burden of proving voluntariness, fairness, lack of oppression, compliance with the Constitution, where applicable, and (if there is non-compliance) lack of prejudice to the suspect, rests at all times with the prosecution.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 They must prove these matters beyond reasonable doubt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 In this ruling I have reminded myself of that.
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 The Facts
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 [6]\tab Police Officers from Ba }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Police Station gave evidence for the prosecution that on the }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 2}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 3rd}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 
 June 2009 at approximately 1430h a report of fighting was made at the Varoka Police Post}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 . }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 As a result }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 a team}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  of 4 officers proceeded to the scene of t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 h}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 e fight}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 
 When they got there they saw this accused with a cane knife in one hand dragging a woman with the other hand}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 
 He was chopping her both on her hands and head. One of the officers tackled hi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 m}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  to the ground where he fell face fir
st onto very }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 stony}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 
 ground. He still tried to get the knife to continue chopping and a struggle took place on the ground until he was finally subdued and arrested. He was taken to Ba Police Station for investigation where the caution interview was conducted }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 that evening }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 and a formal charge statement was taken on the 24th June 2009. On the 25th }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 June}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  he was medically ex}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 amined }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403 at Ba Mission }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 Hospital}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  where he was }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 found}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14642536\charrsid13769403  to have a broken nose bone and bruises and abrasions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 [7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5529948\charrsid13769403 ]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 The accused}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  gave sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 He told of the officers coming to his home}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004337\charrsid13769403  in the afternoon of the 23rd June. He was with his wife talking and as his wife talks in a loud }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 voice}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004337\charrsid13769403  they must have thought that they were arguing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6509836\charrsid13769403 
 He saw these }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6509836\charrsid13769403 men}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6509836\charrsid13769403 
 about 4 to 5 in front of him and two behind
. The men behind started throwing sticks and stones and then men in front soon followed with the same activity. He was struck on the back and on his legs with the stones and sticks. He was holding his wife with his left hand and a cane knife in his right 
h
and. He received one stone blow to the hand which made him drop the knife (he later said that he had 5 blows to that hand). He was punched on the face and he was bleeding from the teeth. He was then taken to the Ba Police Station where he was locked in a 
cell }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6509836\charrsid13769403 for three days}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6509836\charrsid13769403 
 wearing only his underpants. He made a statement under caution that night when he was assaulted threatened and forced to sign. It was not read over to him. The incriminating parts of the statement were not dictated by him but were fabr
icated be the statement taker. When he was taken to the hospital, he told the Doctor about injuries that she did not record}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3366802\charrsid13769403 
. The doctor was laughing with the Police and did not care about him. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403 Analysis}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 [8]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403 I find that the evidence of the Police Officers 
is consistent and responsible. In contrast the evidence of the accused is so inherently implausible that it would be unsafe to rely upon it. The medical evidence is totally consistent with the evidence of the Police that he fell on }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 stony}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403  ground and that in an attempt to subdue him there was a rather violent struggle on that }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 stony}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403  ground. If the accused\rquote s evidence of assaults was to be believed then he would be d}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 ead rather than appearing in this}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 trial. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403 The accused would have this Court believe that the ans
wers were fabricated but then only the answers that incriminate him. Whilst I am ever mindful of the burden and standard of proof that is on the State, the evidence of the accused is such that it cannot be believed and does nothing to detract from the sol
idarity of the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 evidence of the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403 State\rquote s witnesses.}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15756890\charrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695255\charrsid13769403 
I find that the caution statement and the charge statement have both been voluntarily and freely given, nor is there any suggestion of oppression }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 or fairness }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695255\charrsid13769403 that might influence me to use my }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 discretion}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403  to e
xclude them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695255\charrsid13769403  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 [9}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695255\charrsid13769403 ]\tab The interview and the answer to charge}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 
 being voluntari}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9770927\charrsid13769403 ly made and not created out of unfairness}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  are therefore admissible in evidence.
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10048449\charrsid13769403 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 Paul K. Madigan
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13769403 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13769403\charrsid13769403 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403 At Lautoka
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7695255\charrsid13769403 7 June}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid473749\charrsid13769403  2010}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5923634\charrsid13769403 
\par }}