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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid935743 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid935743 LEPANI VUNISA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
\par H}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid546278 igh Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7108632  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743 Criminal Jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 Prakash, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7108632 21 August,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743  2000
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 HA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13109049 C0022/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743 95}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 L}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid935743 
Stay of information - rape - whether undue 5 year delays resulted in breach of respondent's constitutional right to fair trial - common law right to trial within a reasonable time - Principles to consider - Penal Cod}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4534200 e ss1}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid935743 49 and 150; Constitution 1997 s29(1) and (3); Fundamental Rights and Freedoms}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid935743  Decree 20}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10049255 00 (Decree 7/}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid935743 00) s10(1}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid935743 ) and (3), 24(4)
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
\par The delay in proceeding to trial, 5 years after information was laid, could not be attribut}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2707084 ed wholly to the prosecution or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
 to the accused. The Court had to consider the effect of delay on the applicant's chances of receiving a fair trial.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2238089 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  - (1) There is no prejudice caused to the accused having a fair trial. A 5 year delay would not affect
 the basic testimony of witnesses given the nature of the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
(2) Principles to consider in whether delay would affect a fair trial: length of delay, waiver of time periods, reasons for delay, including inherent time requirements, actions of the accu
sed, actions of the prosecutor, limits on institutional resources, other reasons, prejudice to the accused and interests of accused, state and victim.
\par 
\par Matter to proceed to trial expeditiously.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid935743 Other cases referred to in judgment
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 cons}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid7108632  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 R v Michael Desmond Benefield}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2238089\charrsid16122083  HA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 C1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2707084 /}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 88}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2238089\charrsid16122083 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 cons}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid7108632  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 Jago v District Court}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid16122083  (NSW)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid16122083  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid16122083 168 Aust. Law Rev}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7108632 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083  23
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220 cons}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid4225471  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid16122083 State v Fe}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 lix Keith Vusonitokalau}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid530084\charrsid4225471  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2707084 Crim Case HAC005/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid16122083 96S
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid530084\charrsid2899220 co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220 ns}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220 State v Peniasi Kata}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid2899220 HAC0009}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2707084\charrsid2899220 /}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 94L
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 appl}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid4225471  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 R v Morin}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083  (1992) 71 CCC (3d) 1
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 appl}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid7108632  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083 Martin v Tauranga District Court}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid16122083  [1995] 2 NZLR 419
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid546278 G}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid546278 anga P. Shankar}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid7108632  for the accused}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid935743\charrsid530084 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2707084 Linda Fa}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid546278 gbenro}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid7108632  for the State}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid530084 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
\par 21 August, 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16122083 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 RULING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 Prakash, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 This is a motion on behalf of the Accused to stay the information against him filed by the State. An affidavit in support has been filed.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 The accused is charged with one count of Rape - contrary to Sections 149 and 150 of the Penal Code. He is alleged to 
have had unlawful carnal knowledge of one Shalini Shammi Lata without her consent. The offence was allegedly committed on 29}{\fs18\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid3100678 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 July 1995}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 . The accused was charged on 30/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 95. He first appeared before th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717709 e Magistrates Court at Ba on 31/07/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 95. He elected to be tried by the High Court. The paper prelimin}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 ary inquiry was conducted on 31/10/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 95.
\par 
\par The accused was committed to trial by the High Cour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 t.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 H}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 e appeared in the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12917208  High Court on 6/2/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 96. S}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 ince then the case has been adj}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 ourned for various reasons. The delays cannot be attributed wholly to the Prosecution nor accused.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 The Court is grateful for the written submissions by the State and oral arguments by both Counsel on the relevant issues. It is clear from the submissions that the right to a fair t
rial within a reasonable time is a fundamental right both in the 1997 Constitution and the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms Decree 2000 (Decree No. 7). Both Counsel agreed that it was not relevant for the purpose of determining this motion to consider the 
p
urported abrogation of the 1997 Constitution nor the validity of Decree No. 7 of 2000. Since Sections 10(1) and (3) of Decree No. 7 does not offend Sections 29(1) and (3) of the 1997 Constitution, nor international human rights norms the Court does not ne
ed to dwell on the issues. Section 24(4) of the Decree reinforces the use of international human rights norms.
\par 
\par Section 29(1) of the 1997 Constitution states:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5987921 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 "Every person charged with an offence has the right to a fai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 r trial before a court of law."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5987921  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 Section 29(3) states:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"Every person charged with an offence and every party to a civil dispute has the right to have the case determined within a reasonable time".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 Identical provisions are provided for in the Fundamental}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12917208  Rights and Freedoms Decree 2000}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  published by the Interim Military Government as Decree No. 7, in Sections 10(1) and (3).
\par 
\par In any case there has been a long standing common law right to trial within a reasonable time. As Lord Woolf suggested in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 Attorney-General of Hong Kong v Wai-}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2238089 bun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  [1994] 1 A
C 1 in most cases the Bill of Rights test does not differ materially from the English common law test.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 It is also clear from the authorities that the issue of delay has to be considered in terms of fairness to the accused, that is, whether he/she may be p
rejudiced in his trial by the delay, (see for example }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 State v Michael Desmond Benefield}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  Cr. Action No. 1
 of 1988 High Court, Suva). It is also clear that undue delay/trial within a reasonable time cannot be defined. It will depend on circumstances of a particular cases (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 R v B}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  1 NZLR 385; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 Jago v }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 D}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 istrict Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  (NSW) 168 Aust. Law Rev. 23). As the NZ Court of Appeal had stated, following the Canadian case of 
}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 R v Morin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678  (1992) 71 CC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 C}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 (3d)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid530084  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 1:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"The general approach to a determination as to whether the right has been denied is not by the application of a mathematical or administrative formula but rather by a judici
al determination balancing the interests which the section is designed to protect against factors which either inevitably lead to delay or are otherwise the cause of delay ... it is now accepted the factors to be considered in analysing how long is too}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678  long may be listed as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12917208 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 1. the length of the dela}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 y
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 2. waiver of time periods}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 3. the reasons for the delay, including}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 (a) inherent time requirements }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 of the case;

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 (b) actions of the accused;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 (c) actions of the crown;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 (d) limits }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 on institutional resources; and

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 (e) other reasons for delay and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2238089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 4. prejudice to the accused (}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 Martin v Tauranoa District Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  [1995] 2 NZLR 419 at p.424).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 The above accepted factors were earlier broadly outlined by the Privy Council in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid15469163 Bell v D}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid15469163 irector of Public Prosecution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678  [1985]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
 AC 937, a case based on the Jamaican Constitution. In this case the Privy Council had also stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"The assessment of those factors would necessarily vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and case to case. In particular the prevailing system of legal administration and e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 conomic}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12917208 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  social and cultural conditions had to be taken into account."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 In the case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 State v Felix Keith Vusonitokalau}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  Cr. Case No. HAC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2238089 0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 0}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 5 of 1996}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4225471 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678 , Justice Pain stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3100678 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 "...
 there is no fixed period within which a trial may take place. Under our present system some delay is inevitable. An accused is not automatically entitled to bail if the trial is not heard within say 12 months. What is a reasonable period depends upon the
 particular case and all the prevailing circumstances. It could be a longer or shorter period".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 The most recent Fiji High Court case on the issue of delay, that I am ware of, is the case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid3100678 
State v Peniasi Kata}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  Ltk Cr. Case HAC0009 of 1994. In this case Ju
stice Townsley had considered a range of authorities including international conventions to conclude that in that particular case the accused had been grossly prejudiced by the delay. In that case, among other factors, the judge had considered the absence
 of certain documents concerned with the case as prejudicial to the accused. Justice Townsley had further stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3100678\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2238089 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"that the authorities concerned with the administration of justice in the Lautoka High Court have not made the resources available to bring th
is matter to trial, thus breaching the Accused's constitutional right to be brought to trial within a reasonable time. The fact that the authorities have not made resources available to try this Accused is not his problem." (at p.18)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 In this aspect of his
 decision Justice Townsley had relied heavily on the pronouncements of the European Courts based on the European Convention on Human Rights. Whatever is the relevance of European cases, in this case it is clear from a perusal of the chronology in the Cour
t records that the lack of judicial resources was not a significant factor in the delay. There has been a clear lack of commitment by both parties to have this case heard expeditiously.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 In this case the particular prejudice that the accused points in his affidavit is stated as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11364072 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"That I was some distance away when I saw the complainant running away ... an Indian person named Rana was in the farm and he confirmed to me that he saw me some distance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 away. The said Rana was my very material witness but he has died in March or thereabou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072 ts of this year. There is no wr}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 itten statement from him. Some other persons also then present in the cane farm saw me}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12065314  away from the complainant but I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  do not know their names, and know them by face. These persons can't be traced now."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11364072\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 To say the least the assertions made are very vague in the context of the evidence contained in the depositions. The only evidence of the "complainant running away" is that o
f the complai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 nant in her Police statement. T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
his is after the alleged incident of rape by the two persons involved. If Rana did see the accused "some distance away" when was this? Before or after the incident?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 Further if "there is no written statement from him (Rana)," it is the accused's problem. He should have alerted Police to t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 
ake a statement from him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  I say this in the context of the submissions made by the learned State Counsel in relation to the committal proceedings relating to his case (see pp 16 -
 18 of submissions).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 The accused was represented by Counsel at the committal proceedings. When the Prosecution had tendered the relevant exhibits and concluded its case Defence counsel}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8537573 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 "Content that case be committed without considering the evide
nce, and will communicate with DPP regarding alibi if necessary".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
According to the State Counsel no particulars of alibi witness or witnesses have ever been communicated to the DPP or the Court by the accused. Section 234 of the Criminal Procedure Code provides the basis for any accused adducing}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 evidence in support of an alibi. Notice has to be given within a prescribed period. Under s.234(7) "the prescribed period means th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1927231 e period of fourteen days from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  the end of the preliminary inquiry before the Magistr
ate." Even if the Court were to grant leave for the accused to call any alibi witness it is questionable whether the evidence of Rana, as outlined by accused in his affidavit, would materially affect his ease in view of the other evidence contained in the
 depositions. Further, if other persons were also present who saw him away from the complainant, as asserted by the accused, and he knows them by fac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 e it is incumbent upon him to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  find them since he is facing a serious charge. It is apparent from the material in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 the depositions that he lives near to Wavuwavu where the alleged offence took place and where he used to graze his cattle. The Court is not convinced that any prej}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 udice will}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  be caused to him by the absence of Rana.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 It is also disturbing to note that if Rana died in March or thereabouts why was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1927231  this motion filed only on 2/08/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  say this in view of the fact that the trial d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 ate of 5 July 2000 was set on 7/02/00. T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 his was a firm date. The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 
Court was ready to proceed on 5/07/0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 0. It was only when the matte
r was called for review by the court on 29 June 2000 to ascertain the readiness of the parties for trial that the issue of a motion by the Defence was intimated to the Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 This is a rape case. The Court has to consider the interests of the accused as well as the State and the victim of any crime. As Mason CJ stated in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid2899220 Jago}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  (supra) citing a passage from }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 
Moevao v Dept of Labour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  (1980) NZLR 464:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8537573 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"It is not the purpose of the Criminal law to punish the guilty at all costs. It is not that the end may justify whatever means}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573573 
may be adopted. There are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  two related aspects of the public interest which bear on this. The first is that the public interest i
n the due administration of justice necessarily extends to ensuring that the Court's practices are used fairly b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573 y the State and citizen alike \'85. .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  It follows that in exercising its inherent jurisdiction the court is proceeding in its ability to function as
 a Court of law in the future as in the case before it. This leads on to the second aspect of public interest which is the maintenance of public confidence in the administration of justice}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573573 
. It is contrary to the public}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  interest to allow that confidence to be eroded by a concern}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 that the Court's process may lend themselves}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573573  to oppression and injustice. I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 n essence then, the power to prevent an abuse of process in this context is derived from public interest, first that trial and the processes preceding them ar
e conducted fairly and, secondly that so far as possible, persons charged with criminal offences are both tri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573573 ed and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
tried without unreasonable delay. In this sense, fairness to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
the accused is not the sole criterion when a court decides whether a criminal trial should proceed."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8197201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8197201 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 Unlike }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 Peniasi Kata's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  case and }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 Michael Desmond Benefield}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
 this case is basically dependent on oral evidence. The delay of 5 years would not affect the basic testimony of the witnesses given the nature of the offence. As regards any memory loss Justice Fatiaki has stated in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 Benefield}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201  (supra)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid879251  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8197201 
"... memory loss as a result of delay may be likened to a "two-edged sword" which is just as if not more likely to prejudice the prosecution which bears the burden of proof as it does the defendant."
\par 
\par In considering the relevant principles and particular factors relevant to the issue of delay the Court does not find the circumstances of the delays nor the delay of 5 years in this case prejudicial to the accused having a fair trial. The motion is dism
issed. It is incumbent upon the parties that this case, which is one of the older cases in the Criminal list in Lautoka, be set for trial expeditiously.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2899220 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 Mo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8537573 t}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 i}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid8537573 on fo}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid8537573 r stay dismissed.
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7108632 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8537573\charrsid7108632 Marie Ch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8197201\charrsid7108632 an
\par }}