{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff40\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times};}
{\f40\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020f0502020204030204}Calibri;}{\f188\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times};}{\f189\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times};}
{\f191\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times};}{\f192\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times};}{\f193\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times};}
{\f194\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times};}{\f195\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times};}{\f196\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times};}
{\f588\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Calibri CE;}{\f589\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Calibri Cyr;}{\f591\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Calibri Greek;}{\f592\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Calibri Tur;}{\f595\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\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid15814868 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 \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext15 \styrsid15814868 No Spacing;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 \slink17 \styrsid15814868 footer;}{\*\cs17 \additive \fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\loch\f40\hich\af40\dbch\af0\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon10 \slink16 \slocked \styrsid15814868 Char Char1;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid811014\rsid862776\rsid1598413\rsid1972231\rsid2193419\rsid2309175\rsid2371452\rsid2504626\rsid2506087\rsid3176464\rsid3422714
\rsid3810279\rsid3822112\rsid3831056\rsid4160285\rsid4329331\rsid4331392\rsid4744076\rsid4815830\rsid4855016\rsid4931203\rsid5052173\rsid5062183\rsid5123780\rsid5592493\rsid5643559\rsid6060947\rsid6160848\rsid6514138\rsid6782860\rsid6953338\rsid7366506
\rsid7483118\rsid7958375\rsid8016262\rsid8083724\rsid8270074\rsid8475924\rsid8524331\rsid8598875\rsid8748644\rsid8790013\rsid8866877\rsid9189166\rsid9452663\rsid9455426\rsid9776131\rsid10712439\rsid10749241\rsid11014019\rsid11292607\rsid11355540
\rsid11404427\rsid11880640\rsid11928628\rsid12063525\rsid12081942\rsid12211158\rsid12653127\rsid12921552\rsid12931985\rsid12983114\rsid13198352\rsid13200519\rsid14055906\rsid14105686\rsid14108652\rsid14496123\rsid14510136\rsid14695321\rsid14967201
\rsid15032169\rsid15159555\rsid15297671\rsid15405516\rsid15541791\rsid15560408\rsid15814868\rsid15864576\rsid15945946\rsid16592213\rsid16597937\rsid16671932}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info
{\title \'93this is a quote, has said, of me saying \'91this is a quote\'92\'94}{\author ruddley_e}{\operator freriks_k}{\creatim\yr2010\mo10\dy19\hr14\min13}{\revtim\yr2010\mo10\dy25\hr10\min27}{\version2}{\edmins6}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1017}
{\nofchars5800}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws6804}{\vern24689}}\margl1440\margr1440\margt1134\margb0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin\dghspace180\dgvspace180
\dghorigin1440\dgvorigin1134\dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct
\asianbrkrule\rsidroot15814868\newtblstyruls\nogrowautofit \fet0{\*\ftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\insrsid8748644 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8748644 \chftnsepc 
\par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8748644 \chftnsep 
\par }}{\*\aftnsepc \pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\sa200\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid8748644 \chftnsepc 
\par }}\sectd \linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid12653127\sftnbj {\footer \pard\plain \s16\qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\insrsid8475924  PAGE   \\* MERGEFORMAT }}{\fldrslt {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid8748644 3}}}{\insrsid8475924 
\par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4680\tqr\tx9360\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8475924 
\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\pararsid15814868 
\f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\sl276\slmult1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8748644 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid15814868\charrsid8748644 CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 CRIMINAL CASE NO. HAC 124 OF 2008S
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 STATE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 V}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 1.}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 ANESH RAM
\par 2.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 KESHWA NAND
\par 3.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 VIKASH CHAND
\par 4.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 SAT DEWAN NAIR
\par 5.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 ILAITIA WAQA
\par 6.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 BINESH KUMAR
\par 7.}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 ANIL SINGH
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Counsels:}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
Ms. S. Vaniqi for Accuseds No. 1 and 2;
\par Accused No. 3 in Person;
\par Ms. M. Savou for Accuseds No. 4 and 5;
\par Mr. K. Shah for Accused No. 6;
\par Mr. R. Chaudhary for Accused No. 7
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Hearings:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 24th August 2010
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Ruling:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 1st September 2010 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 RULING}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par 1.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 During the pre-trial conference on 24th August 2010, three contentious issues arose, which required the court}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s ruling. The issues were:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (i)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 The prosecutor}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s right to amend the information;

\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (ii)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Leave to adduce alibi evidence at the trial; and 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (iii)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Blotting out}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  prejudicial matters in a co-accused
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s caution interview}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 statements.
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par 2.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
The court sought the views of the prosecution and defence counsels on the matter, before it delivered its oral ruling on 27th August 2010. The court said it would provide a written ruling later, for the benefit of the parties. This is the court}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s ruling on the matter, which is basically a written summary of the oral ruling, delivered on 27th August 2010.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8748644 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (i)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 The prosecution}{\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
s right to amend the information}{\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 3.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
Section 214(2) and (9) of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 reads as follows:
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 \'85(2)}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Where, before a trial upon information (or at any stage of}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 such trial), it appears to the court that the information is}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 defective, the court shall make such order for the}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 amendment of the information as the court thinks necessary}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 to meet the circumstances of the case, unless the required}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 amendments cannot be made without injustice, having}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 regard to the merits of the case\'85}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 \'85(9)}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 The Court may, upon application by the prosecution, grant}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 leave to amend an information, whether by way of}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 substitution or addition of charges or otherwise\'85}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 4.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
On 24th August 2010, the prosecution applied to amend the information by adding count No. 2, that is, }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 rape}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  against all accuseds, contrary to section 149 and 150 of the Penal Code, Chapter 17. The court sought defence counsels}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  and accused No. 3}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
s views on the matter. Ms. S. Vaniqi, on behalf of Accused No. 1 and 2 did not object. Likewise, accused No. 3 did not object. Ms. M. Savou, on behalf of Accused No. 4 and 5 did not object. Mr. Shah, on beh
alf of Accused No. 6 also did not object. Mr. R. Chaudhary, on behalf of Accused No. 7 initially objected to the amendment, but later left it to the court.
\par 
\par 5.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Traditionally, a prosecutor was always entitled to amend charges at any stages of the proceeding
, before it closed its case. However, in exercising its discretion to grant leave to the prosecutor to amend the charge, the court must always consider the overall interest of justice. In this case, most of the defence counsels and accused No. 3 did not o
bject to the amendment. In any event, the alleged facts on which the alleged rape charge was based on, was already available to the defence, as part of the disclosure requirements. So, in a sense, the defence were not taken by surprise, by the prosecution
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s application to add another count of }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 rape}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
, on 24th August 2010. I therefore grant leave to the prosecution to amend the information, by adding a count of }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 rape}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  against all accused, and I order so accordingly.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8748644 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (ii)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Leave to adduce alibi evidence at the trial}{\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\ulth\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 6.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
Section 125(1) and (2) of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 reads as follows:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 \'85125.\emdash (1) On a trial before any court the accused person shall}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 not, without the leave of the court, adduce evidence}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 in support of an alibi unless the accused person has}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 given notice in accordance with this section.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (2) A notice under this section shall be given\emdash 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (a)}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 within 21 days of an order being made for}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 transfer of the matter to the High Court (if}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 such an order is made); or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (b)}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 in writing to the prosecution, complainant}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 and the court at least 21 days before the date}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 set for the trial of the matter, in any other}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 case\'85}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 \f40\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 7.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Accused No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have not complied with the alibi notice requirement, required by
 section 125(2)(a) or (b) of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009. The trial proper is a few days away, and as a result, they have verbally applied to court for leave to adduce evidence in support of an alibi, during the trial. The power to grant leave is a
 
judicial discretion which must be exercised judiciously. The overall interest of justice must be served when a judicial discretion is exercised. In this case, if leave is not granted, the accuseds will not be able to call alibi evidence. The prosecution s
trongly objected to leave been granted, because the alibi notices as required, were not given.
\par 
\par 8.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 I have carefully considered the defence and prosecution}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
s position on the matter. As a matter of practice, the defence should strictly comply with the alibi notice required. The case was transferred to the High Court on 17th July 2008, and there was ample time for the defence to comply with the alibi notice re
quirement. At the same time, the prosecution was well aware of the defence alibi evidence, because the same were contained in the accuseds}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  caution interview statements, taken by the police shortly after the alleged murder. As a result, I will grant leave t
o accused No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to adduce evidence in support an alibi, so long as the same were the ones mentioned in their caution interview statements. They are not allowed to adduce evidence in support of an alibi outside those mentioned in the caut
ion interview statement.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8748644 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 (iii)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{
\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Blotting Out}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{
\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  prejudicial matters in a co-accused}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{
\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s caution interview}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 statements}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 9.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
The above matter should have been resolved at the pre-trial conference stage, long before th
e trial proper. This case was before the High Court on 25th July 2008, and that was approximately 2 years ago. The trial proper is a few days away. Why the matter was not dealt with within the last 2 years, I don}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 t know. This court had witnessed parties to
 a criminal proceeding not using the pre-trial conference procedure to its maximum. Serious pre-trial issues, like the present, were not dealt with seriously until the trial was around the corner.
\par 
\par 10.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 In my view, it is too late, to }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 blot out}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 "}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868  the prejudic
ial materials in a co-accused}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 s caution interview statements, when the trial proper is few days away. To allow the defence
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 '}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
s verbal applications in this matter, is to invite the possibility of potential disputes on the matter, thereby further prolonging th
e hearing of the matter. Given the late application, in my view, a fair remedy is to re-emphasize to the assessors the need to disregard the caution interview statements of a co-accused against another co-accused, because they are inadmissible evidence ag
ainst the co-accused, and I order so accordingly.
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 Salesi Temo
\par ACTING JUDGE
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15814868 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 AT Suva 
\par 1st September 2010}{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15814868\charrsid15814868 
\par }}