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CASE NO: HAM 215 OF 2010}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Between}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid7814725 WONG KENG LAM \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Applicant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 And}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid7814725 THE STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5782885 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 24}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid7814725 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 September 2010}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 \par Ruling:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 28}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid7814725 th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 September 2010}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Mr. A. Naco for Applicant \par Mr. S. Vodokisolomone for State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid7814725 R}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid7814725 ULING \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5782885 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 [1] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The applicant is charged with Importatio n of Controlled Chemicals contrary to section 6 of the Illicit Drugs Control Act 2004. He applies for }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264996 b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 ail pending trial.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The allegation is that he with others imported into Fiji controlled c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264996 he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 micals namely 128,000 Capsules of Pseudoephedrine Hydrochl oride weighing approximately 107.52 kilograms without lawful authority. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 [3] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The applicant is a Chinese national. He arrived in Fiji from Hong Kong on 25 June 2010. According to the applicant's travel history he had earlier been in Fiji on 23 May 2010 and he departed on 29 May 2010. The first trip was for "business" and the second trip was for "holiday". He was expected to depart Fiji on 10 July 2010.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 4]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The alleged illegal substance was found in a container on 14 July 2010 upon inspection by Customs Officers. On 25 July 2010, the applicant was interviewed under caution. The applicant admitted importing the alleged illegal substance into Fiji from China.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 \par [5] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 In his affidavit in support, the applicant states that the authorities in Fiji have seized his travelling documents and that his visa expired on 22 July 2010. The applicant states that he cannot leave Fiji without his travelling documents. A local busi nessman has offered to be his surety.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [6]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The State relies on the affidavit of Sergeant Joape Ravunibola to oppose bail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 \par [7] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Sergeant Ravunibola highlights the strength of evidence against the applicant and the seriousness of the charge to oppose bail. H e states that the applicant has no legal status in Fiji after expiration of his visa and therefore he is a flight risk.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [8]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The principles governing bail pending trial are contained in the Bail Act. Section 3(1) provides that an accused has the right to be released on bail unless it is not in the interests of justice that bail should be granted. Consistent with this right,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 section 3(3) of the Act declares that there is a presumption in favour of the granting of bail to an accused, but a person who opposes the granting of bail may seek to rebut the presumption. In determining whether a presumption is rebutted, the primary co nsideration in deciding whether to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264996 grant bail is the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 likelihood of the accused appearing in court to answer the charges against him. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 [9] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 Bail can be opposed on three grounds provided by section 18(1) of the Act. Section 19(1) provides for three grounds for refusing bail. Section 19(2) sets out a series of considerations a court must take into account in determining the three grounds. In broad terms, bail can be refused if the accused is a flight risk or if it is not in his interest to be released on bail o r it is not in the public interest to grant bail.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [10]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 There is no doubt that the applicant is charged with a seriousness offence. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. If convicted, the applicant is facing a prison sentence. However, the seriousness of the charge is not a pre-dominant factor to refuse bail. Seriousness of the charge must be weighted with the evidence against the applicant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [11]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The strength of the evidence against the applicant is therefore relevant. Under caution, t he applicant made a full admission that he imported the alleged illegal substance into Fiji from China. If the admission of the applicant is proven to have been made freely and voluntarily, then he is facing a strong prosecution case.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [12]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The applicant a rrived in Fiji as a visitor. He allegedly committed the offence with others. Others have not been charged. He appears to have some contacts with Fiji nationals. The applicant made two trips to Fiji within a short span of time. He gave different reasons fo r his trips. These are unusual circumstances.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [13]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 I cannot accept the defense submission that seizure of the travelling documents does not make the applicant a flight risk. Judicial experience shows that people abscond on false travelling documents.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 [14]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The applicant managed to engage counsel whilst in custody on remand after being charged. His contacts in Fiji can continue to assist him with liaising with his family in China. \par \par [15]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 The applicant in his affidavit states that his remand conditions are inhumane.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 There is no evidence that the conditions of the remand centre in Fiji are inhumane.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 \par [16] In my opinion, the seriousness of the charge, the strength of evidence and the expiration of the applicant's visa make him a flight risk. I am satisfied that it is not in the interests of justice to grant bail. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4130991 [17] Bail}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 is refused. The case will be given priority trial date. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7814725 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid7814725 Daniel Goundar \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid7814725 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5782885 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid5782885 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 At Suva \par 28}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7814725\charrsid7814725 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7814725 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5782885\charrsid5782885 September 2010 \par }}