{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f197\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f198\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f200\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f201\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f202\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f203\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f204\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f205\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\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 \styrsid16581409 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\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \styrsid16581409 List Paragraph;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \styrsid16581409 header;}{\*\cs17 \additive \sbasedon10 \styrsid16581409 page number;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid2125748082 \listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid569020648\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li3600\lin3600 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0 \leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0 {\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers \'01;}\fi-360\li5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li6120\lin6120 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2 \leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li6840\lin6840 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0 \levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li7560\lin7560 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713 \'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-360\li8280\lin8280 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fi-180\li9000\lin9000 } {\listname ;}\listid1953511177}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1953511177\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid398449\rsid811014\rsid862776\rsid1340368\rsid1377226\rsid1598413\rsid1972231\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626 \rsid2506087\rsid3176464\rsid3422714\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076\rsid4815830\rsid4855016\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5123780\rsid5592493\rsid5653732\rsid6060947\rsid6160848\rsid6170903 \rsid6308435\rsid6514138\rsid6782860\rsid6953338\rsid7366506\rsid7483118\rsid7958375\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8790013\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426\rsid9776131\rsid10043685\rsid10247976\rsid10712439 \rsid10749241\rsid10879035\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540\rsid11404427\rsid11813687\rsid11880640\rsid11928628\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12193586\rsid12211158\rsid12546474\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114\rsid13002013\rsid13979088 \rsid14055906\rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14496123\rsid14501709\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671\rsid15358066\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15864576\rsid15945946\rsid16073072\rsid16581409 \rsid16592213\rsid16597937\rsid16671932}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author ruddley_e}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2010\mo7\dy12\hr16\min41}{\revtim\yr2010\mo7\dy13\hr15\min17}{\version3}{\edmins3} {\nofpages3}{\nofwords955}{\nofchars5447}{\*\company PacLII}{\nofcharsws6390}{\vern24689}}\margl1440\margr1440 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\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\rsidroot16581409\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5653732 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5653732 \chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5653732 \chftnsep \par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid5653732 \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid10247976\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16073072 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs17\insrsid10247976 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\cs17\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10879035 3}}}{\cs17\insrsid10247976 . \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid10247976 \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\pararsid16581409 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 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\pararsid16581409 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 CRIMINAL CASE NO. HAC 004 OF 2010 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 STATE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 V}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid5653732 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid5653732 Waisale Naturu \par {\listtext\pard\plain\s15 \b\caps\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid5653732 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}Ronald Ritesh Chand \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Mr. T. Qalinauci for the State \par Both Accused in Person \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Date of Hearing:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 6 July 2010}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Date of Ruling:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 7July 2010 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 VOIR DIRE}{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 RULING \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par [1]\tab The State is seeking to adduce into evidence at the substantive trial, one interview conducted under caution with the second accused on the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 1st March 2007 which contains admissions to the charge of cultivating Indian Hemp that the accused is facing. \par \par [2]\tab The accused objects to its admissibility on the grounds of assaults during the interview.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 When I asked for further and bett er particulars of the assaults, the accused advised me that he had been assaulted by officers who punched him on the head and hit him with a stick. They also put chillies on his private parts and eyes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 He further said that incriminatory parts of the cautioned interview had been fabricated by the statement taker. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 The Legal Tests \par \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 [3]\tab The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Ganga Ram and Shiu Charan v R}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 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\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 It will be remembered that the re are two matters each of which requires consideration in this area.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 First, it must be established affirmatively by the Crown (sic) beyond reasonable doubt that the statements were voluntary in the sense that they were not procured by improper practices s uch 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\insrsid16581409 "}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 the flattery of hope or the tyranny of fear}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 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\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 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, perhaps by breach of the Judges Rules falling short of overbearing the will, by tri ckery or by unfair treatment.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 (R v Sanag (1980) A.C. 402, 436CE).}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 This is a matter of overriding discretion and one cannot specifically categorise the matters which might be taken into account.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 "}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par [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\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Secondly, if I find that there has been oppression or unfairness, then I can in my discretion exclude the interview.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Finally, if his common law rights have 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\insrsid16581409 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 These rights include 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\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 They must prove these matters beyond reasonable doubt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 In this ruling I have reminded myself of that. \par \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 The Facts \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par [6]\tab Police Officers from Keiyasi Police Station gave evidence for the prosecution that on the 1st March 2007 a Ratu Simione brought the second accused into the Keiyasi Police Station because he was too scared to come alone.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 After the relevant journals were marked , he was placed in a cell at the station. The interviewing officer gave evidence that the accused was taken from the cell and interviewed in the presence of one witness, a Police Constable Taniuvu. The interview was conducted in the Fijian language at the choice of the accused (who is Indo-Fijian) and he freely answered the questions. There were no assaults or threats and the accused was afforded all of his rights.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par \par [7]\tab The accused gave sworn evidence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 He said that he was taken into the interview room wher e he was assaulted. Everything was written in the statement and he was forced to sign. They made up all of the answers. He was punched on the ribs, on the back and on the top of his head. Chillies were applied to his anus and to his sexual organs. He was not taken for medical treatment and he was thereafter detained at Sigatoka Police Station. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10879035\charrsid16581409 \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Analysis \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par [8]\tab I find that the evidence of the Police Officers is consistent and responsible. In contrast the evidence of the accused is so inherently implausible tha t it would be unsafe to rely upon it. When the accused gave evidence he never mentioned the stick and when the Court reminded him that at an earlier hearing he spoke of chillies in the eyes, he said that he forgot it in his evidence. He was most general a b out the assaults, and declined to give any detail. He told me that there were three witnesses to the caution interview, all of whom assaulted him and all who signed the interview paper. It is quite clear that there was only one witness to the interview wh o did indeed sign along with the statement taker. It is non-sensical that the answers given in the interview could be made up by the Police. They are rather specific answers and contain detail that could not possibly be known to the Police.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 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 solidarity of the State\rquote s witnesses. I reject the allegations of the accused and prefer t he evidence of the Police Officers. There is absolutely no record of complaint, including in the Magistrates Court and the first complaint made was when I asked him specifically if there was to be a challenge to the caution interview. \par \par [9]\tab Accordingly I ha ve come to the view that in regard to any allegation of assault by the Police the State has satisfied me beyond reasonable doubt that it did not happen. I am satisfied that the interview was voluntary, that it was obtained in fair circumstances, that it w as in no way oppressed or beaten out of this accused applicant in contravention of his rights either under the Judges\rquote Rules or of the Constitution which was then operative. \par \par [10]\tab The interview being voluntarily made and not created out of oppression is therefore admissible in evidence. The answer to charge contains no admissions, nor was its provenance disputed. That too is admissible of course. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 Paul K. Madigan \par Judge \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16581409 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16581409\charrsid16581409 \par At Lautoka \par 7 July 2010}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid16581409 \par }}