{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*
\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\qc \li0\ri0\sl204\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 2;}{\*\cs17 \additive \ul\cf2 
\sbasedon10 \styrsid7562010 Hyperlink;}}{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid2500062\rsid3081260\rsid7562010\rsid8078518\rsid12678665\rsid14709627}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author Robynne Blake}
{\operator Robynne Blake}{\creatim\yr2011\mo3\dy9\hr9\min36}{\revtim\yr2011\mo3\dy12\hr12\min42}{\version5}{\edmins21}{\nofpages2}{\nofwords744}{\nofchars4245}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws4980}{\vern24689}}
\paperw11907\paperh16840\margl1134\margr1134\margt1134\margb1134 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0
\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot7562010 \fet0\sectd \psz9\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid7562010\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2
\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6
\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 [1922] 2 FLR 90
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 SUPREME COURT CASES OF FIJI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 [APPELLATE JURISDICTION.]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 [ACTION NO. 1, 1922.]
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 MANOHAR}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  v. }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 LUCCHINELLI.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 1922, }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 Jan.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  25.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7562010 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid8078518 Guilty knowledge - obtaining money by means of a worthless cheque.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\i\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid8078518 Held}{\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid8078518 
, fact that appellant had made a statement to the police denying any such transaction with the cheque as alleged by the prosecution was evidence which the Court could properly take into consideration in arriving at the conclusion that the appellant ac
ted with a guilty mind and fraudulent intent. (}{\b\i\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid8078518 Re Pinter}{\fs22\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid8078518 , 17 Cox 497).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 C.S. DAVSON, C.J.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
This is an appeal from a conviction for obtaining money by false pretences.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  The case for the prose}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
cution was that appellant obtained money from a tailor, Natali, by means of a worthless cheque which he fraudulently represented as being good and valid, well knowing that it was not good and valid.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 The grounds of appeal are, substantially, that the evidence does not support the conviction, that a certain statement said t
o have been made by appellant was wrongly admitted, and that the punishment was excessive.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 There is clear evidence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 that appellant presented what purported to be a cheque}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  for \'a3}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 10 signed by "Morris, Hedstrom," to Natali in his shop on Saturday, 19th November}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14709627 , that he}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  said it was a cheque from Morris, Hedstrom and would be cashed, and that he obtained money for it. On the 21st this document was tendered for cash at the Bank of New Sout}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 h Wales, where Morris, Hedstrom}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  Limited have an account, and the ledger-kee
per there swore that it was obviously not drawn by Morris, Hedstrom Limited. No one from the company was called on this point, but I think the uncontradicted evidence of the bank's clerk is sufficient.
\par 
\par The Magistrate believed the evidence as to what took place}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  in Natali's shop on the 19th, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
and I see no reason to interfere with his finding.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
\par As to the statement, which is contained in the document C, I think it was properly admitted. Where a statement is written down to be signed by the person making it, it 
is preferable, if possible, to let that person sign the paper on which the statement is originally taken down. Here a fair copy was made from the original document, but the interpreter swore that he interpreted it to appellant, who said it was correct. Th
e interpreter was cross-examined, but nothing was elicited to show that he had inducted appellant by improper questions or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 otherwise to make the statement}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 , or that it was otherwise than voluntary. This statement by appellant was a flat denial that he had visited Natali's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
 shop or given him any cheque.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
\par We have, then, these facts proved:- That appellant did obtain money on this worthless piece of paper which he assured Natali was a good cheque, and that two days later when questioned by the police, he denied a
ll knowledge of the transaction. It is contended that even taking }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 these facts as proved appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
 should not have been called upon for a defence, but 
that the case should have been dismissed. It is true that there could be no conviction unless appellant knew that the cheque was worthless. If he had believed it good, if, for instance, he had received it in good faith in payment of a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 debt due to himself, he would have been not guilty. In such a case }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  man wo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 u}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
ld take the first opportunity of saying how the cheque came into his possession, and I think his denial of any knowledge of the transaction which had undoubtedly taken place is evidence which would ent
itle a jury (or a Magistrate) to say that he passed off that alleged cheque with a guilty mind.
\par 
\par I am of opinion, therefore, that appellant was properly called on for his defence. He went into the witness box and swore that he had never presented the chequ
e to the tailor and gave evidence setting up an alibi, which was supported by two witnesses. It cannot, therefore, be said that his first denial (document C) was the result of nervousness or surprise on finding himself in the awe-inspiring presence of the
 Chief Inspector of Constabulary, he repeated the denial nearly three weeks later after ample time for reflection.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
\par Appellant's counsel argued the case, as he was practically bound to do, from the sta
ndpoint that his client made the false pretence, i.e., that he presented the worthless cheque as a good one; but he contended that there was no evidence that he knew it was not a good cheque, in which case he would not be guilty of any offence. This is th
e crux of the whole case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3081260 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
 was the man's denial of the transaction merely food for suspicion (no one I think would deny that it was that) or was it conduct from which the Court could conclude that he acted with a guilty mind and fraudulent intent. It seems to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3081260  me incredible that if he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  had come by the so-ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3081260 lled cheque in good faith he wou
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 ld not at the earliest opportunity or, failing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 
 at his trial, have explained his possessio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 n of it. I find therefore, that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010  there was evidence to support the conviction.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3081260 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 As to the sentence I do not think it is excessive.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 The appeal is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 is}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7562010\charrsid7562010 issed with costs.
\par }}