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\f35\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 STATE}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 PROSECUTION
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 LAISIASA KOROIVUKI}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 

\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 ACCUSED
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1385663\charrsid5733280 
\par Counsel: Ms. A. Tuiketei - State
\par In Person - Accused Person
\par 
\par Date of Hearing: 08/02/2010, 10/02/2010, 11/02/2010, 12/02/2010, 15/02/2010, 17/02/2010.
\par 
\par Date of Ruling: 19/02/2010.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\b\f0\fs24\insrsid1385663\charrsid5733280 SUMMING UP
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\par Madam Assessors and gentleman Assessor
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par It is now my duty to sum up this case to you. I will direct you on matters of Law whi
ch you must accept and act upon. On matters of fact however, which witnesses to accept as reliable, which version of the evidence to accept, these are matters for you to decide for yourselves. So if I express my opinion to you about the facts of the case,
 
or if I appear to do so it is a matter for you whether you accept what I say, or form your own opinions. In other words you are the judges of fact. All matters of fact are for you to decide. It is for you to decide the credibility of the witnesses and wha
t parts of their evidence you accept as true and what parts you reject.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
You decide what facts are proved and what inferences you properly draw from those facts.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
You then apply the Law as I explain it to you and form your opinion as to whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
\par 
\par The Counsel for the prosecution made submissions to you about the facts of this case.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 That is her duty as State Counsel.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 But it is a matter for you to decide which version of the facts to accept, or reject.
\par 
\par The accused also made submissions to you.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
There again it is his right and it is for you to decide which version of the facts to accept or reject.
\par 
\par You will not be asked to give reasons for your opinions but merely your opinion themselves, and your opinions need not be unanimous but it would be desirable if you could agree on them.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Your opinions are not binding on me but I can tell you that they will carry great weight with me when I deliver my judgment.
\par 
\par On the question of proof, I must direct you as a matter of law that the onus of burden of proof lies on the prosecution throughout the trial and never shifts.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 There is no obligation on the accused person to prove his innocence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Under our criminal justice system accused person is presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par The standard of proof in a criminal trial is one of proof beyond reasonable doubt.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
This means you must be satisfied so that you are sure of the accused\rquote s guilt before you can express an opinion that he is guilty.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 If you have any reasonable doubt about his guilt then you must express an opinion that he is not guilty.
\par 
\par Your decision must be solely and exclusively upon the evidence, which you have heard in this court and upon nothing else.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
You must disregard anything you might have heard about this case, outside of this courtroom.
\par 
\par Your duty is to find the facts based on the evidence apply the Law to those facts.
\par 
\par The accused is charged with the offence of having in possession without lawful authority 1808.5 grams of cannabis an illicit drug.
\par 
\par The offence charged has several elements which the prosecution must satisfy you of beyond reasonable doubt.
\par 
\par They are that the accused:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 (1) }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 possessed.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 
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without lawful authority.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5733280\charrsid1385663 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 (3) }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 an illicit drug.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par In this case it is not in dispute weighing 1808.5 grams of cannabis were found in Apisai Suluas\rquote  house.
\par 
\par It is not in dispute that there was no lawful authority for the possession of drugs.
\par 
\par The issue for you to decide is in whose possession was it?}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Was it the accused\rquote s drugs?}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 The word }{\b\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 \lquote possession\rquote }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663  simply means having something in one\rquote s custody and control with knowledge of such custody and control.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 So the question for you to decide is whether these drugs were in the accused\rquote s custody and control or not.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 The Evidence}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par Prosecution lead evidence that on information received by the Police they conducted a surveillance on the house of Apisai Sulua at Vesivesi Road, Kinoya.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 On the said surveillance DC 4091 Mosese Ligani}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
and DC 4092 Christopher gave evidence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
In this surveillance they have confirmed the truth of the information they received and they have identified the accused as the person who transacted with the people who came to the house of Apisai Sulua.
\par 
\par On their report on surveillance Police conducted the raid.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Prosecution lead evidence of witnesses who took part in the raid.}
{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
They are DC Christopher, who took part in the surveillance as well, PC Uraia Bolalailai, PC4463 Keverieli Buli and Inspector Kasim.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 These witnesses gave evidence in court as to how and where they found the drugs in this house.
\par 
\par Prosecution further lead evidence of Inspector Jolame Nabakele who recorded the caution interview statement of the accused and said that accused gave the cautioned interview statement voluntarily which is marked as an Exhibit.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 He has not taken part in the raid. PC Kamal gave evidence producing the reports from the Koronivia Research Station.
\par  
\par All the drugs said to have been found in the house of Apisai Sulua which was raided and the report from the Government Analyst been exhibited.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Police witnesses also identified those parcels containing drugs as what they found in the house they raided.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par Government analyst report confirms that these drugs are cannabis and the total weight is 1808.5 grams or 1.8kg.
\par 
\par At the close of prosecution case, you heard me giving several options to the accused.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
He would have given sworn evidence, an unsworn statement or remained silent and he had these options because he does not have to prove anything.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 The burden of proving his guilt remains on the prosecution at all times.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 He chose to give sworn evidence and to subject himself to cross examination. You must give his evidence careful consideration.
\par 
\par His evidence was that he came to Suva only on 13/01/2010 to lodge a complaint on the problems he had with the workmates.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
As his boss was not there he had to wait in Suva and he stayed at his brother in law Apisai Suluas\rquote  house.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
He was to meet his boss in office on 15th.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 But on 15th morning the house was raided.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Further he said he was at the right place at the wrong time.
\par 
\par Although he did not say in his evidence in chief, in cross examination he said that he informed Justice Goundar in court that he is not guilty and that he had to admit to Police as he has seen on TV, police beating crimina
ls, some ended up in broken leg or in hospital.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Further he said he lied to Police due to fear.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 He never said in evidence that he was slapped or beaten up.
\par 
\par On cross examination he said that he was slapped by a Police officer who had blond hair and again he said no one assaulted him and no one threatened him.
\par 
\par Epeli Tadi a security officer of the company where the accused was supposed to be working in Lautoka gave evidence on behalf of the Defence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 He said accused started to work there on 7/7/2007, and accused was working there till late January 2008.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 A man who wanted employment in their company has approached their boss and the accused had agreed to relieve.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 After accused agreed he had asked the accused to come to Suva office and for that purpose accused had come to Suva in 2nd week of January.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Further he said accused worked everyday and accused never complained on working only 1 or 2 days a week.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Summary}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par In summary it is not disputed that the house of Apisai Sulua was raided by a team of Police officers on 15/1/2008.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
Defence did not dispute the fact that the drugs were found and seized as a result of the raid in Apisai Sulua\rquote s house and further did not dispute that accused being present at the time of the raid.
\par 
\par Accused however denied the fact that he was in Apisai Suluas\rquote  house during the 2 month period the surveillance by police was done as he had been working in Lautoka.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Defence witness Epeli Tadi also gave evidence. Police witnesses say that they identified him during the surveillance period.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Which version of evidence you choose to accept is a matter for you.
\par 
\par There is no legal burden on the accused to prove that he was in Lautoka during the period of surveillance by the Police.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
But if the evidence of the defence creates a doubt on the prosecution story on surveillance in your mind the benefit of the doubt should be given to the accused on that fact.
\par 
\par Defence disputes the confessionary parts of the caution interview statement made to the police saying that the accused admitted due to fear of being beaten up by Police.
\par 
\par The prosecution however says that the caution interview statement was not obtained under threat or promise and that accused told the truth voluntarily.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par In the statement to Police accused has said that the accused asked his brother in law Apisai Sulua whether he could help him to sell marijuana and since last year he had been residing there.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Further he has said that he sold marijuana alone and he earned about $500+ a day from sales.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 He admitted that the marijuana seized by Police belongs to him, and was in his possession and as his brother in law Apisai Sulua went to Lautoka he was in charge of the house.}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
\par 
\par On the accused\rquote s statement which version you are going to accept whether it is the prosecution version or accused\rquote s version is a matter entirely for you.
\par 
\par What weight you put on the accused\rquote s statement to the Police is entirely a matter for you.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 
However if you accept that the contents of the interview are reliable you may think that they contain a complete confession to all the elements of the offence.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Further if you do not accept the contents of the interview statement are reliable you may reject same.
\par 
\par You have heard evidence lead by both parties, prosecution and the defence which version of evidence you choose to accept is a matter for you.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 You must decide which witnesses are reliable and which are not.
\par 
\par If I do not mention a particular witness or a particular piece of evidence, that does not mean it is unimportant; you should consider and evaluate all the evidence in coming to your decision.
\par 
\par If you are satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the drugs found in this house were in the possession of accused you must find the accused guilty.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663  }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 If you have any reasonable doubt about whose possession the drugs were you must find the accused not guilty.
\par 
\par I will now ask you to retire.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid1385663 Priyantha Fernando
\par Puisne Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5733280 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1385663\charrsid5733280 19/02/2010}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972231\charrsid5733280 
\par }}