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\par AT SUVA
\par CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 Criminal Case No: HAC 001 of 2009
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 THE FIJI INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938 V}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
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\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 RAJESHWAR KUMAR;}{
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\par JASWANT KUMAR
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid4744543 Hearing:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid4744543  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid4744543 8th February 2010
\par Ruling:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid4744543  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid4744543 11th February 2010
\par 
\par Counsel:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid4744543  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid4744543 Ms}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
 L. Lagilevu & Ms E. Leweni for FICAC
\par Mr. R. Chaudhary for both Accused
\par 
\par }\pard \s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid4744543 RULING
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5712938 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 [1]\tab }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 The }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 defence applies for a no case to answer after close of the case for the prosecution.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The application is made pursuant to section 231(1) of the }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Criminal Procedure Decree 2009}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 , which came into effect on 1 February 2010.
\par 
\par [2]\tab During the hearing of the application, the Court raised with counsel a preliminary issue regarding the requirement of a written sanction to prosecute an offence of abuse of office.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The accused persons are charged with this offence on count one.
\par 
\par [3]\tab Ms Lagilevu referred the Court to an amendment to the law that exempts the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption from the requirement of a sanction to prosecute an offence of abuse of office.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The amendment was made by }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Promulgation 30/07}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  and came into effect on 14 September 2007.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The charge of abuse of office was filed in the Magistrates\rquote  Court on 12 December 2008, after the amendment to the law came into effect.
\par 
\par [4]\tab Mr. Chaudhary conceded that a sanction is not required to prosecute an offence of abuse of office if the prosecution is brought in the name of the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
\par 
\par [5]\tab However, he raised an issue about whether the information was properly signed.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The information is signed by Mr. Madigan, who at the time was a prosecutor in the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Mr. Chaudhary submitted that there is no evidence that Mr. Madigan was delegated with the authority to exercise the powers of the Commissioner.
\par 
\par [6]\tab The rules governing the form of information at the relevant time were contained in section 235 of the }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Criminal Procedure Code}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Section 235(1A) provides that an information that is in the name of the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption shall be signed by the Commissioner.
\par 
\par [7]\tab Section 13 of the }{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (Promulgation No. 11 of 2007)}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
 provides that the Commissioner may delegate his powers. The delegation of powers is to be made in writing.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Once the power is delegated in writing, subsection (2) provides the authorized officer with the same powers that of the Commissioner.
\par 
\par [8]\tab Mr. Chaudhary submitted that the information against the accused persons may not be valid because there is no evidence that Mr. Madigan was delegated in writing the powers of the Commissioner.
\par 
\par [9]\tab I am unable to accept the proposition advanced by Mr Chaudhary. There is a presumption of validity given to acts done by a person in an official capacity or to acts done in discharge of official duties.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The burden is on the party, challenging the validity of an official act, to prove the contrary.
\par 
\par [10]\tab In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Peniasi Kunatuba v. State}{\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  Misc No. HAM 66 of 2006 (25 September 2006),}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  a challenge was made to the then Director of Public Prosecutions\rquote  authority to sign the information.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Shameem J said:
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \'93These points are clearly arguable.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 However, they do not, in my view succeed in satisfying the burden on the defence, to show that the information is invalid and the sanction irregular, on the ground of invalidity of an official position.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 There must be more than a good argument to displace that burden.\'94
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5712938 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [11]\tab }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The same reasoning is applicable to this case.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 While I find Mr. Chaudhary\rquote 
s argument to be noble, I am not satisfied that the defence displaced the presumption of validity that applies to the information against the accused persons.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
I hold the information is valid.
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Test for no case to answer
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [12]\tab Section 231(1) of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 is identical to its predecessor provision}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  contained in the }{
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Criminal Procedure Code}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Section 231(1) reads:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \'93When the evidence of the wit
ness for the prosecution has been concluded, and after hearing (if necessary) any arguments which the prosecution or the defence may desire to submit, the court shall record a finding of not guilty if it considers that there is no evidence that the accuse
d person (or anyone of the several accused persons) committed the offence.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par [13]\tab Since the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 has retained the provision for no case to answer application in identical terms with its predecessor provision, the test to be applied to an application for no case to answer has not changed.
\par 
\par [14]\tab The test is that there must be some relevant and admissible evidence, direct or circumstantial, touching on all the elements of the offence.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The credibility, reliability and weight of the evidence are matters for the assessors (}{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Sisa Kalisoqo v. State}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  Criminal Appeal No. 52 of 1984, }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 State v. Mosese Tuisawau }{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Criminal Appeal No. 14 of 1990). 
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5712938 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [15]\tab }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Mr. Chaudhary made lengthy submissions, some of w
hich touched on the issues of credibility and reliability of the evidence led by the prosecution. I do not consider that it is appropriate for me to dwell on matters which fall within the province of the assessors. In }{
\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 State v.}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 George Shiu Raj & Anr}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 . Criminal Appeal No. AAU0081 of 2005S}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
 the Court of Appeal held that the provision for no case to answer does not allow for some kind of overall discretion to stop a trial. The real question for me is whether there is some evidence on each element of the charged o
ffence, regardless of its nature.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Charges
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [16]\tab The accused persons are jointly charged with one count of abuse of office and with an alternative count of embezzlement.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The charge of abuse of office is brought contrary to section 111 of the Penal Code, while the alternative charge of embezzlement is brought contrary to section 274 (c) (i) of the Penal Code.
\par 
\par [17]\tab For the offence of abuse of office the prosecution alleges that the accused persons whilst being employed in the Public Service as Mayor and Acti
ng Town Clerk respectively of the Nasinu Town Council, in the course of or in relation to their public office and in abuse of the authority of that office, did an arbitrary act in that they raised a Council Westpac Bank cash cheque number 1045, dated 26/0
5/06 amounting to $2,344.42 purportedly in payment to Post Fiji Limited but was cashed at the Westpac Bank, Nabua, thereby causing prejudice to the rights of the said Nasinu Town Council.
\par 
\par [18]\tab For the alternative count of embezzlement the prosecution alleg
es that the accused persons whilst being appointed to serve under the Nasinu Town Council as Mayor and Acting Town Clerk respectively, fraudulently disposed of the sum of $2,344.42 received by them (whilst in service) through Westpac Bank cash cheque numb
er 1045, dated 26/05/06 on account of the said Nasinu Town Council for the purpose other than that for which the monies were entrusted to them.
\par 
\par [19]\tab During the hearing, Ms Lagilevu advised the Court that the prosecution case is that the second accused is t
he principal offender, while the first accused aided and abetted him. If that is the case, then the prosecution must lead some evidence to show that the first accused intended to encourage the second accused to commit an offence and that he did an act whi
ch amounted to a positive act of assistance (}{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 R v Clarkson}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  [1971] 1 WLR 1402}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 ).}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073 
 }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 It must be shown or inferred from the circumstances that the first accused knew that the offence was going to be committed, or was being committed (}{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 R v Coney}{
\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073  (1882) 8 QBD 534).
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Elements of abuse of office
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [20]\tab The offence of abuse of office requires proof of the following elements:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
That the accused persons were employed in the public service,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
That they acted in abuse of authority of their office,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Their act was arbitrary,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 4.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls4\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
That the act was prejudicial to the rights of another.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Elements of embezzlement
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [21]\tab The offence of embezzlement in the context of this case requires proof of the following elements:
\par 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The accused persons were employees,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
They received money on the account of their employer,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par {\listtext\pard\plain\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 3.\tab}}\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls5\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
They fraudulently or dishonestly disposed the money that they were entrusted with.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par [22]\tab All the elements of the two offences are in dispute.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Identity of the accused persons
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid11958073 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 [23]\tab Mr. Chaudhary submits that there is no evidence of identification in this case.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
In crafting his arguments, Mr. Chaudhary pointed out that the prosecution failed to lead evidence of dock identification of the accused persons by their witnesses.
\par 
\par [24]\tab In reply, Ms Lagilevu informed the Court that she took for a fact that identification of the accused persons was not in dispute.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
She submits that in any event, the accused persons have been identified by their names by the prosecution witnesses.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Ms Lagilevu subm
its that there is evidence of identification of the accused persons by implication of their names by the prosecution witnesses, and that it was not suggested in cross-examination of the witnesses that the persons they were referring to were not the accuse
d persons.
\par 
\par [25]\tab There is a long recognized general rule of practice that a witness speaking to the commission of a crime should be asked to make a dock identification.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Most common law jurisdictions have adopted this practice, although, it is not a rule of law.
\par 
\par [26]\tab Ms Lagilevu has helpfully referred to Canadian authorities on this practice. I find in particular one authority persuasive. In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 R v. Nicholson }{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
(1984) 12 C.C.C}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid996884\charrsid11958073 . (}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 3d) 228}{\f0\fs24\insrsid996884\charrsid11958073 , the}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
 accused was somebody described by the complainant only, as \lquote John Robert Nicholson.\rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
There was a formal admission by the counsel for the defence that the person in the dock was the accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
At the trial there was no dock identification made of the accused, although his name was referred to by witnesses when giving evidence. The accused was convicted. On appeal, }{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Kerans J.A}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 . at pp 230-31 of the judgment said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \'93The argument for the appellant be
fore us proceeded on the assumption that a dock identification by an arresting officer is an integral part of the criminal process.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 This is a myth.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 That the Crown often relies upon such evidence should not permit us to think that a dock identification is a
 ritual as essential to a criminal trial as, say, the reading of the charge.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The onus upon the Crown is to prove that the crime alleged has been committed and that the accused is the person who did it.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
This last, like any fact in issue, can be proved in many different ways.\'94 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par [27]\tab Later, at p 236, Kerans J.A. said:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 \'93
It follows that no dock identification of an individual in the court-room as being the accused need be made in such a case.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Identification of the accused as the offender is established if it is established that the offender was given the appearance notice confirmed by the information founding the case.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par [28]\tab Similar approach was taken by the Criminal Appeal Court of Scotland in the case of Michael Murphy v. Her Majesty\rquote s Advocate [2007] HCJAC57 (www.scotcourts.gov.uk/opinions/2007HCJAC57.html).}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Lord Osborne, delivering the leading opinion, at pp 26-27 had this to say about the practice of dock identification:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Furthermore, over many years, prosecutors have not in fact observed any such rule.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 R
ather, they have exercised their discretion as to whether they would seek to elicit evidence of visual identification from a particular witness, in the light of the whole circumstances known to them.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 That I regard as a perfectly proper approach.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 It is qui
te evident from the authorities on the rules of evidence which I have quoted that the implication of an accused person in the commission of an offence may be proved in a variety of different ways by direct evidence, or by indirect evidence of different ki
nds.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
How the Crown goes about proving that essential feature of a case must be a matter for the exercise of its discretion, in the light of the evidence which may be available to it in the circumstances of any particular case, about which the court will alm
ost certainly have no knowledge.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 It appears to me that the rule contended for on behalf of the appellant would undermine the exercise of that proper discretion.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 For these reasons I consider that no such rule can be recognized\'85\'85}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11958073 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
\par [29]\tab During the trial, the prosecution led evidence from witnesses referring to the accused persons by their names.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The witnesses knew the accused persons and the positions they held at the Nasinu Town Council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 The second source of identification evidence is the documentary evidenc
e identifying the accused persons by their names.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Some of these documents were tendered by the defence in cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses.
\par 
\par [30]\tab Also, during the cross-examination, Jaswant Kumar was referred by the defence counsel as the second accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
Official receipts were tendered by the defence to show that the second accused had made some reimbursement to the Nasinu Town Council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Minutes of the council\rquote 
s meetings attended by the accused persons were tendered by the defence to show that the accused persons did not attempt to conceal anything. There is evidence of identification despite there being no dock identification evidence of the accused persons. 

\par 
\par [31]\tab The trial commenced after the assessors were sworn and pleas of not guilty entered by the accused persons when the information was put to them.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The information containing the charges was entitled }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Rajeshwar Kumar f/n Rup Chand and Jaswant Kumar f/n Lekh Ram is charged with the following offences:}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 .
\par 
\par [32]\tab The particulars of offence named Rajeshwar Kumar and Jaswant Kumar.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
The particulars further disclosed that Rajeshwar Kumar and Jaswant Kumar were employed in the public service as Mayor and Acting Town Clerk respectively when they allegedly committed the offences.
\par 
\par [33]\tab When asked what their pleas were, both accused persons said they were not guilty.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid11958073  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
At no stage of the proceedings neither the accused nor their counsel protested that they were mistaken for the persons named in the information.
\par 
\par [34]\tab In any event, Mr. Chaudhary has referred to passages from }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 Archbold}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 , (1995) Vol. 1 \'a74-364-365,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid11958073 
 that state the court has discretion to allow the prosecution to re-open its case to prove that the accused is the person referred to in evidence by the witness in a case where the failure to lead dock identification is due to the prosecution counsel
\rquote s mistaken assumption that the issue is not in dispute.
\par 
\par [35]\tab Whether the prosecution should re-open its case is a matter for the prosecution counsel to consider, and I will not say any more on that issue.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 Were the accused persons employed in the public service?
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid11958073\charrsid6897216 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 [36]\tab The prosecution case is that the first accused was the Mayor of the Nasinu Town Council, while the second accused was the 
Town Clerk, when they abused the authority of their office. Mr. Chaudhary submits that there is no evidence that the accused persons were employed by the Nasinu Town Council. He submits that the prosecution led no evidence of the employment contracts or r
emunerations of the accused persons to prove that they were employees of the Nasinu Town Council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
Mr. Chaudhary relies on the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007 that defines the word }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 employ}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  as }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 to use the services of a person under a contract of service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 He argues that the accused persons could have been volunteers.
\par 
\par [37]\tab Furthermore, Mr. Chaudhary relies on the case of }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 Bala v. AG}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  [2005] FJHC 282, HBC0045.2002L (17 February 2005),}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
 in particular, the following passages of the judgment:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 Section 150 of
 the 1990 Constitution of the Sovereign Democratic Republic of Fiji specifically excluded }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 the office of member of any council}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  from the construction of }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 public office.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 When one considers the meanings of }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  in section 194, it is necessary to look at the list (a) to (h) applying the ejusdem generis rule.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
When so doing, items (g) and (h) might then be read as being limited to a position of profit in or as a member of a statutory authority or similarly, an office of profit established by a written law.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 Those matters detailed in (a) to (f) would certainly be suggestive of such an interpretation.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
There can be no doubt that the position of Councillor under the Local Government Act is a position established by a written law but that then begs the question as to whether the position of councillor is in fact }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "
}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 an office.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 " }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
Similarly, there can be no doubt that a council established under the Local Government Act is a statutory authority however once again, that begs the question as to whether a Councillor is a person holding }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 an office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  in that statutory authority.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
Applying the principles as expressed in sections 3, 6 and 7 of the Constitution together with the canons of statutory interpretation to which I have referred leads to the conclusion that the words }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 an office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  where appearing in Clauses (g) and (h) of the definition of }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
 and in section 194 of the Constitution refer to an office of profit and do not include a member of any Council established pursuant to the Local Government Act.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6897216 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
\par [38]\tab I do not think the dicta in }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 Bala}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  are relevant to this case.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
In that case, the court construed the meaning of the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
, as contained in section 67(1) of the 1990 Constitution.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
The issue was whether a councillor pursuant to the Local Government Act was a person holding a public office under the 1990 Constitution.
\par 
\par [39]\tab In this case the question is whether the Mayor and the Town Clerk of a Town Council established under the Local Government Act are persons employed in the public service, as defined by the Penal Code.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 I also note that the Penal Code has not used the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216  but has used the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 employed in public service.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 " }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 Clearly, for these reasons, }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid10968243 Bala\rquote s }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 case is distinguishable.
\par 
\par [40]\tab Section 4 of the Penal Code defines the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 employed in public service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid6897216 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid6897216 
. The definition lists various public office holders including persons employed by a local authority. The relevant part of the provision relied by the prosecution reads:
\par }\pard\plain \s15\ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5712938 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5712938 

\par }\pard\plain \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8523762 \f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5712938 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 person employed in public service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
 means any person holding any of the following offices or performing the duty hereof, whether as a deputy or otherwise, namely;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8523762 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8523762 {\f0\fs24\insrsid8523762 (i). }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
any office to which a person is appointed or nominated under the provisions of any Act or by election;}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8523762 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 [41]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid14966489 \tab }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 A Town Council is established under section 8 of the Local Government Act.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 The position of a Mayor is established by section 20 of the Local Government Act.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
The qualification of a Mayor is provided by section 21 of the Local Government Act. The Mayor must be a councillor under the Local Government Act and is elected annually by the council from among the members.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 Section 25 (5) of the Local Government Act provides that a Mayor does not receive salary but an allowance.
\par 
\par [42]\tab A Town Clerk is appointed by the council under section 35 of the Local Government Act and is paid a salary.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
\par 
\par [43]\tab Ms Lagilevu submits that a Town Council is created under the Local Government Act and any person who is appointed or nominated to an office of the Town Council is employed in the public service.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 She submits that there is evidence that the first accused was the Mayor of the Nasinu Town Council, while the second accused was the Town Clerk.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 She further submits that the accused persons held positions in an office established by a statute and therefore were employed in the public service.
\par 
\par [44]\tab I hold that the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
 as used in the 1990 and 1997 Constitutions and the Local Government Act could not be accorded the same meaning as the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 employed in public service}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  as defined in the Penal Code.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
Makrava v. DPP & A-G}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  Action No. HBJ008 of 1998,}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  Byrne J had to consider whether section 4 of the Penal Code in its definition of the term }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 person employed in public service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  was inconsistent with the meaning of the term }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  as contained in section 149 of the 1990 Constitution.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 Byrne J held that the meaning of the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 public office}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  was confined to usage within the Constitution and therefore there was no inconsistency between section 149 of the Constitution and section 4 of the Penal Code.
\par 
\par [45]\tab The Court is not concerned about the meaning of the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 public office}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
 but the meaning of the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 employed in public service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
 as contained in the Penal Code.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 The drafters can only have intended that the meaning be different, by defining the term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 employed in public service}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762  in the }{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 Penal Code.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
\par 
\par [46]\tab A statute\rquote s policy is to be found in the legislative intent.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid8523762  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid8523762 
It is the cardinal rule in the construction of statutes that such intent is itself, to be found solely in the words of the statute, if they are free from ambiguity and express a sensible meaning.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5273488 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
\par [47]\tab A Court should construe a statute as the legislature intended (}{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 R v. Banbury (Inhabitants)}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488  (1834) 1A. & E. 136)}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 .}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 Legislative intent is determined by the statute\rquote s wording (}{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 Capper v. Baldwin}{
\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488  [1965] 2 Q.B. 53}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 ).}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
In other words, where the language of the statute is plain and unambiguous, it declares its own meaning and there is no room for construction.
\par 
\par [48]\tab Section 4 of the Penal Code is plain and unambiguous.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 A person is employed in the public service if he or s
he is appointed or nominated under the provisions of any Act or election.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
The Mayor of a council is appointed by election under the Local Government Act, while the Town Clerk is an employee.
\par 
\par [49]\tab If there is some evidence that the first accused was the Ma
yor of the Nasinu Town Council and that the second accused was the Town Clerk of the council, then it did not matter whether they were on employment contracts or received remunerations from the council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 It only mattered that the accused persons held the status of the mayor and town clerk respectively.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
There is evidence that the first accused held the status of Mayor while the second accused held the status of Town Clerk at the Nasinu Town Council at the relevant time. There is evidence the accused persons were employed in the public service.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid15814158 Abuse of authority
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5273488\charrsid5273488 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 [50]\tab Mr. Chaudhary submits that there is no evidence that the accused persons abused the authority of their office.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
Mr. Chaudhary points out there is no evidence that the accused persons failed to comply with any by-laws in the raising of the payment voucher (exhibit P16) and the cheque (exhibit P2), which are subject of the charge.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 He further submits that the prosecution has not rebutted the possibility of an honest mistake in the raising of the said voucher and the cheque.
\par 
\par [51]\tab Ms Lagilevu submits that there is evidence that the second accused raised the payment voucher and the cheque with an improper motive, that is, not for the use of the Nasinu Town Council but for his own.
\par 
\par [52]\tab She submits that there is evidence that the cheque was signed by the second accused and counter-signed by the first accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
The same cheque was then cashed at a bank and was never received by Post Fiji.
\par 
\par [53]\tab The issue as to what constitutes an abuse of office was considered by the Supreme Court in the case of }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 Naiveli v. State}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488  Criminal Appeal No. CAV 001/94}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5273488  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 At page 3 of the judgment, the Supreme Court said:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5376413 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5273488 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5376413 {\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Central to the commission of an offence under s.111 is the doing or directing to be done of an arbitrary act, \lquote in abuse of the authority\rquote  of the accused\rquote s \lquote office.\rquote }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 What differentiates something done in abuse of office from something not done in abuse of office in many cases will be the state of mind of the accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 An act done or direction given, which is otherwise 
within the power or authority of an officer of the Public Service, will constitute an abuse of office if it is done or given maliciously with the intention of causing loss or harm to another, or with intention of conferring some advantage or benefit on th
e officer. They are just two instances of abuse of office.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 No doubt other instances may be given.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 But it would be unwise for us to attempt any exhaustive definition of what constitutes an abuse of office, to use a shorthand description of the statutory expression \lquote abuse of the authority of his office
\rquote .}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5376413 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
\par [54]\tab In this case, the raising of the payment voucher was within the authority of the second accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 There is evidence to that effect.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Also the signing of cheque was within the authority of both accused persons.
\par 
\par [55]\tab The question is whether there is some evidence to prove the accused persons exercised their powers with an improper motive, that is, to cause loss or harm to another, or with intention of conferring some advantage or benefit on themselves.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The payment voucher was raised on 26 May 2006.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Vinita Prasad recognized the handwriting on the payment voucher to belong to the second accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The particulars of the payment reads: }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 payment for purchase of stationeries deducted from staff pay as per invoices attached.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 " }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
However, there are no invoices attached to the voucher.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The amount is $2,344.42 and the payee is Post Fiji.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Reference is made to a cheque no. 1045.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The second accused\rquote s signature appear on the title of the Town Clerk.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The payment voucher is not certified and the identity of the receiver of the cheque is not mentioned. 
\par 
\par [56]\tab The cheque is made cash and is in the amount of $2,344.42.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The cheque is signed by the accused persons.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 There is evidence the cheque was cashed at Westpac Nabua branch after 4 pm on 26 May 2006.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
There is no evidence of the identity of the presenter of the cheque at the bank.
\par 
\par [57]\tab The corresponding cheque butt of cheque no. 1045 states the payment was to Post Fiji.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 There is evidence that the payment was never received by Post Fiji.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Post Fiji was subsequently paid with three separate cheques totalling the amount in cheque no. 1045.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The payment vouchers for the three cheques were prepared by Vinita Prasad on the instructions of the second accused. The three cheques were signed by the accused persons.
\par 
\par [58]\tab There is evidence that after the discrepancies in the payments to Post Fiji were deducted by governm
ent auditors, the second accused proposed to reimburse the Nasinu Town Council and did in fact make two payments as evidenced by the receipts (exhibits D7& D8) issued to him by the council. 
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 [59]}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 \tab There is some evidence against the second accused that he a
bused the authority of his office as the Town Clerk of the Nasinu Town Council in raising of the payment voucher and the cheque purported to be a payment to Post Fiji, which payment was not made to Post Fiji.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The motive or intentions of the second accused is a matter of inference for the assessors.
\par 
\par [60]\tab The same finding cannot be made against the first accused. The only evidence against the first accused in the raising of the payment subject of the charge, is that he signed the cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Signing of the cheque was perfectly within his authority.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
There is no evidence that the first accused knew that the corresponding voucher of the cheque he had signed was raised in breach of existing accounting procedures of the Nasinu Town Council. Nor is there any evidence t
hat he knew that the subsequent cheques he signed were to cover up for the missing payment to Post Fiji.
\par 
\par [61]\tab When the discrepancies in the payment to Post Fiji was discussed in a meeting of the Nasinu Town Council after the government audit query, the fi
rst accused admitted that he signed the cheques assuming that all the administrative work has been sorted and cleared by the management. In this regard, the audit did not make any adverse findings against the first accused. The adverse audit findings were
 directed towards the second accused only. 
\par 
\par [62]\tab While the prosecution has led evidence that the first accused signed the cheque, there is no evidence direct or circumstantial that he was signing the cheque knowing that an offence was being committed. The 
first accused has offered an innocent explanation for his conduct. The prosecution led no evidence to rebut the first accused\rquote s honest and reasonable belief that the cheque he signed was going to be used for some proper purpose.
\par 
\par [63]\tab Ms Lagilevu argues that the first accused as the Mayor had a duty to ensure that he checked the payment voucher before signing the cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
However, I am of the view that an act of negligence alone is not sufficient to make an inference of a criminal intention and to impute criminal wrong for a civil breach. 
\par 
\par [64]\tab I find there is no evidence of abuse of authority of office by the first accused.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid15814158 Arbitrary act
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5376413\charrsid5376413 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 [65]\tab The third element that the prosecution must prove for the offence of abuse of office is that the accused persons did an arbitrary act.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The term }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 arbitrary act}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
 is not defined in the Penal Code.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 State v. Humphrey Kamsoon Chang}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
 Criminal Case No. 8 of 1991}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 , Jesuratnam J defined an arbitrary act to be a despotic and an autocratic act.
\par 
\par [66]\tab In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Kubunavanua v. State}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413  Criminal Appeal No. 8(b) of 1992}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 , the Court of Appeal said the word }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 arbitrary}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413 "}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413  indicated nothing more than the exercise of one\rquote s own free will.

\par 
\par [67]\tab In }{\b\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 State v. Eminoni Bola}{\i\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413  Criminal Case No. HAC 029 of 2005S}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 , Shameem J held that an arbitrary act is an 
act that is not guided by the normal procedures but by the wishes of the accused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
The authorities on this element show that the emphasis is on the existence of rules and regulations, and whether they were flouted unreasonably by the accused.
\par 
\par [68]\tab Mr. Chaudhary submits that there is no evidence of any procedure being violated by the accused persons.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
He submits that there is no evidence that the Manual of Accounts for Municipal Councils (exhibit D1) was being used by the Nasinu Town Council.
\par 
\par [69]\tab While there is no evidence that the Nasinu Town Council followed the Manual, there is evidence of the accounting procedures of the council at the relevant time.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
There is no legal requirement that the procedures flouted have to be the ones prescribed in by-laws or regulations.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Existing accounting practices of the council will constitute sufficient proof of the existence of the procedures. The source of this evidence is Vinita Prasad\rquote s testimony, who worked in the accounts section under the supervision of the second ac
cused.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 She said she got the procedures from the second accused who also was the Manager Finance at the time.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 She said the procedure for raising a cheque was to prepare a payment voucher on an invoice, and after the supervisor had verified the voucher, the cheque was written and taken to the authorized signatories to sign.}
{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
\par 
\par [70]\tab There is evidence that the second accused prepared the payment voucher (exhibit P16) without an invoice and then without certification raised a cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
The voucher was raised to pay Post Fiji but the cheque was made cash.
\par 
\par [71]\tab The cheque was released without taking the identity of the receiver and the cheque was cashed at a bank.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
The cheque was not received by Post Fiji as disclosed by the payment voucher and the corresponding cheque butt.
\par 
\par [72]\tab There is some evidence against the second accused that he unreasonably flouted the existing accounting procedures of the Nasinu Town Council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Whether the accounting procedures used by the council at the relevant time were weak is irrelevant to the issue of whether the act of the accused constituted an arbitrary act. 
\par 
\par [73]\tab The only evidence against the first accused is that he signed the cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
There is no evidence that he unreasonably flouted the accounting procedures when he signed the cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Therefore, there is no evidence against the first accused that he committed an arbitrary act.
\par }{\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid15814158 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid15814158 Prejudiced the rights of another
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5376413\charrsid5376413 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 [74]\tab The prosecution alleges that the acts of the accused persons prejudiced the rights of the Nasinu Town Council.
\par 
\par [75]\tab Mr. Chaudhary submits that there is no evidence of loss to the Nasinu Town Council. He submits that monies drawn from cheque (exhibit P2) were deductions from staff salary and therefore belonged to the employees and not to the council.}{
\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 This submission cannot be sustained in law.
\par 
\par [76]\tab The Penal Code defines owner, when used with reference to property, to include corporations of all kinds and any other association of persons capable of owning property.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 The expression owner also includes any part owner, or person having possession or control of, or a special property in, anything capable of being stolen.
\par 
\par [77]\tab The cheque was drawn from the bank account of the Nasinu Town Council. At the time the money was drawn, the funds were in the control of the council.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
Regardless of whom the money belonged to, when the money was drawn from the Nasinu Town Council\rquote s account, the council was exposed to a loss of funds under its control. 
\par 
\par [78]\tab There is some evidence for the assessors to consider whether the rights of the Nasinu Town Council were prejudiced.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Alternative count of embezzlement
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5376413\charrsid5376413 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 [79]\tab The prosecution has led evidence that the money drawn on the cheque (exhibit P2) was from the Nasinu Town Council\rquote s bank account.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{
\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 There is evidence that the accused persons were holding the funds of the Nasinu Town Council in their official capacities. By virtue of being authorized to operate the council\rquote s
 bank account, they received the funds for the use of the council. 
\par 
\par [80]\tab The prosecution case is that a reasonable inference could be drawn that the accused persons dishonestly disposed the money after cashing the cheque.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
While a reasonable inference of s
uch a nature could be drawn against the second accused based on the evidence of the manner in which the payment voucher and the cheque were raised, no such inference could be drawn against the first accused on the mere basis of him signing the cheque. The
 question of whether the second accused acted dishonestly is a matter for the assessors.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Conclusion
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid5376413\charrsid5376413 
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 [81]\tab For the reasons given, I find there is no evidence against the first accused to answer to the charges against him.}{\f0\fs24\insrsid5712938\charrsid5376413  }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
I record a finding of not guilty against the first accused in respect to the offence of abuse of office charged in count one and to the offence of embezzlement charged in the alternative count.
\par 
\par [82]\tab I find the second accused has a case to answer in respect to count one and as well as to the alternative count of embezzlement. I will now explain him his options.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 SO ORDERED.
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5376413 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Daniel Goundar
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5376413 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 
\par At Suva
\par 11th February 2010
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Solicitors:
\par }{\f0\fs24\insrsid1777464\charrsid5376413 Office of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for Prosecution
\par Messrs. Gordon & Chaudhary Lawyers for both Accused}{\f0\fs24\insrsid1972231\charrsid5376413 
\par }}