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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12411838 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid12411838 STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804342 Court of Appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13252209 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804342 Criminal Appellate Jurisdiction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Casey, Ward, Byrne, JJ
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11804342 1 December, 2000}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3161396 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1050023 AAU0001/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 98S
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 M}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 urder - wounding with intent }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 -}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396  rape}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 - appeal against convictions - whether tri
al judge erred in not recording assessor's opinions separately - whether judge's failure to follow procedure a substantial miscarriage of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 justice - whether blinding desire overturning the assessor's verdict on count 4 correct}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 - Court of}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 Appeal Act s23 - Cr
iminal Procedure Code s299(1) & (2).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838\charrsid13448469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
The appellant followed a girl from a nightclub and upon seeing her with a man by a tree on the old golf ground; he struck the man, causing him to flee. He struck the girl on the arm and head and dragged her to another 
place nearby and raped her. The appellant was tried by three assessors who found him guilty of wounding, first count of rape and manslaughter, and not guilty of a second count of rape. The trial judge accepted the verdict except for convicting the appella
nt of murder. He appealed on 3 grounds: the failure of the judge to follow the requirements of CPC s299(1) in taking and recording individual opinions of each assessor and failing to record them separately; error of the judge in finding in}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14364174 tent with respect to count four;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
 that judge was not independent in accepting assessors' opinion on count one. An affidavit of prosecuting counsel was tendered as evidence of what transpired in the court below. If there was a failure to follow requirements of CPC, neither co
unsel brought it to judge's attention.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3099252 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  - (1) Notwithstanding opinions of the assessors were unanimous, they }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 were not properly recorded by j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
udge, but that did not affect the judge's decision after he considered them, and there is no substantial miscarriage of justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469\charrsid4083015 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
(2) Judge was correct in his approach that to differ from assessors in finding of murder, where assessors found accused guilty of manslaughter, must be for highly cogent reasons where the evidence is so overwhelming as to make the assess
ors' opinion perverse.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 All three grounds of appeal fail.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13252209 Cases referred to in judgment
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ll }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3099252 Ram Dulare & Ors v R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  (1956-57) 5 FLR 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 fo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ll }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3099252 Joseph v King}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  (1948) AC 215
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3630264 Sevuloni V}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 alenitabua for the appellant}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838\charrsid3161396 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3161396 Josaia Naigulevu for the respondent
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838\charrsid13448469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 1 December 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13448469 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid12411838 Casey, Ward and Byrne, JJ
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The appellant pleaded not guilty to one count of wounding with intent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3630264 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 two counts of rape and one of murder and was tried in the High Court by Townsley J and three assessors. He was convicted of the wo
unding, the first count of rape and the murder and acquitted of the second rape. He appeals against those convictions.
\par 
\par The brief facts of the case were that, through the day of 23 December 1995, the appellant had been drinking home brew and then, in the evening, went to a dance at the Whistling Duck in Nausori.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Whilst there he noticed a girl dancing and, as he said in his statement to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 the police, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 I saw her and I wanted her}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12411838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 He asked her to dance but she pointed out 
that she was with her boyfriend. The appellant went to another nightclub and later returned to the first dance to find the girl was still there.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 She left the dance before it was over and the appellant followed her. Outside he saw her in the road with a ma
n and followed them for some distance. When he saw them eventually go towards the Nausori Primary School, the appellant went to the Rewa Timber yard, picked up a piece of timber and went after the couple.
\par 
\par He found them lying on the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 ground by a tree on the old gol}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
f ground. The man was on top of the girl and the appellant struck the man on the right side of his head with the piece of timber. The man fled and the appellant then struck the girl twice on her left side with the same weapon.
\par 
\par The blow to the man, Etuate, caused a deep wound on the back right side of his head about three quarters on an inch long. The next}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3630264  two blows struck the girl, Ver}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 enaisi, on the arm and the head. The former had sufficient force to fracture the left humerus just above the elbow 
and the second resulted in four areas of fractures to the frontal region of the skull radiating to the floor of the skull with associated extra-dural, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12785138 sub-dural, sub-arachnoid and int}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ra-cerebral haemorrhaging. Such blows, in the opinion of the pathologist,
 required a considerable amount of force and would have caused death instantly or, more probably, over a period of three to four hours.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226\charrsid4083015 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The appellant carried or dragged the girl to another place nearby and raped her. She was not speaking at the time but he was aware of movement in her hand.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 He then left her there and slept under a tree not far away. Some hours later he returned and raped her again. He then left her there.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 At the end of the learned judge's summing up to the assessors they retired to consider their opinion and returned an hour and thirty-five minutes later.
\par The record continues:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14700369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 2.50 PM}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ASSESSORS RETURN OPINIONS AS FOLLOWS: -
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid8345128 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 COUNT 1: GUILTY}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 COUNT 2: GUILTY}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 COUNT 3: NOT GUILTY}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14700369 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 COUNT 4: NOT GUILTY OF MURDER BUT GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8345128 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 COURT: Thank you, assessors, you are free to go.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The first two grounds of appeal are based on }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 the failure of the judge to fol}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 low the requirements of section 299(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
299 - (1) When the case on both sides is closed, the judge shall sum up and shall then require each of the assessors to state his opinion orally, and shall record such opinion.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The first ground refers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
 to the failure by the judge to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 take the individual opinions of each assessor separately and the second to his failure to record them separately.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
Mr Valenitabua, who did not appear in the court below, does not say whether the judge did, in fact, take a global verdict. He states that the record is before the Court and that is all we should consider. That record sh
ows the provisions of the section were not followed. It is, he suggests, a mandatory provision and failure to comply with it is a fundamental breach and should result in the conviction being set aside.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Mr Naigulevu for the State sought and was granted leave to file an affidavit from counsel who prosec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
uted the case in the High Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  In it, she states that:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3606226 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ....}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 at the e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 nd of the learned judge's summ}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ing up, the three assessors returned unanimous verdict in respect of four counts, each assessor announcing their opinions with respect to each count}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15286954  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ..}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3606226 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The wording of that passage is not as clear as we might have expected from couns
el but it does appear to be stating that each of the assessors gave his or her opinion.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Mr Naigulevu also points out that, after the assessors had }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 given their opinions, the judge}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  invited counsel to address him on the apparent inconsistency between the ver
dicts on count 1 and count 4. Both counsel declined. Had there been a failure to follow the requirements of section 299, counsel should have brought it to the judge's attention.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Whether they were given jointly or individually, we accept that the assessors
' opinions were accurately recorded by the judge in the sense that they were clearly unanimous. We cannot accept that, if the opinion of one assessor had differed from that of his fellows, the judge would have failed to record the dissenting opinion. Equa
lly, if the opinions were expressed by one assessor for all three, we do not accept that a dissenting assessor would have failed to voice}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 his or her dissent.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Once the judge has taken and recorded the opinions of the assessors, he must, by section 299(2), }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 then give judgment, but in doing so shall not be bound to conform to the opinions of the assessors}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 .
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The subsection then sets out the procedure to be followed when the judge does not follow the assessors' opinion and concludes:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10386450 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ..... and in every such c
ase the judge's summing up and the decision of the court together with, where appropriate, the judges reasons for differing with the majority opinion of the assessors, shall collectively be deemed to be the judgment of the court ...}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Clearly, notwithstand
ing the fact that it may contradict the assessors' opinion, it is the judge's decision that is the verdict in the case. The assessors' opinion does not make up the verdict of the court. Even where it accords with the judge's decision, it is still no part 
of the judgment of the court; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13448469 Joseph v The}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13448469  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13448469 King}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11630709\charrsid1122536 (1948}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid1122536 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  AC 215; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid13448469 Ram Dulare & Ors v Reginam}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  (1956-57) 5 FLR 1.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 It is cle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 ar there was a failure by the j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
udge to record these matters properly. It is not so clear that there was an actual failure to take the indi
vidual opinions. However, even proceeding on the basis that the opinions were taken in the way suggested by the record, we are satisfied the failure to follow the procedure did not affect the judge's decision after he had considered them. We are also sati
s
fied that no substantial miscarriage of justice occurred and we consider this is a proper case in which to apply the proviso to section 23 of the Court of Appeal Act and dismiss the appeal on this ground. In as much as the same point was urged in relation
 to the remaining grounds, they also fail to that extent.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The third ground challenges the judge's finding that the appellant had the intent to cause grievous harm to the man he first struck.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Mr Valenitabua refers to the appellant's interview with the police in which he stated, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 I saw her and I wanted her}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
. He points out that, that remark and the appellant's actions as a result show his intention was physically to have the girl he desired. Having established that desire, counsel argues that it was sufficien
t evidence for the court to find that it blinded the appellant from other girls or women in the nightclub and compelled him to follow the unfortunate girl and her boyfriend. He continues that the blind desire for the deceased also made the appellant blind
 from perceiving the probability of causing grievous harm to the boyfriend or to the deceased if he struck them with the piece of timber.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 That remarkable submission is neither supported by the evidence nor authority. The assessors and the judge heard the e
vidence of the manner in which the appellant selected his weapon, how he struck the two victims and the injuries caused. Neither, it should be added, is this defence supported by the accused. In his evidence to the court, he did not suggest lack of intent
; he denied any involvement in the offence at all. He never saw Verenaisi and, after he had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
been to the Whistling Duck, he went home at 1.00am and stayed there.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The appellant does not complain of the manner in which the judge summed up on this point. He si
mply submits that, because of the blinding desire demonstrated by that short phrase in the interview, there is no evidence that the appellant acted with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. We have no hesitation in rejecting this ground of appeal.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 As has been shown, the opinion of the assessors on count four was to acquit the appellant of murder and con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
vict him of manslaughter. The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  learned judge chose to differ and the fourth and fifth grounds of appeal suggest that he erred in holding the appellant guilt
y of murder on the ground that the intent in count one, supported that verdict or of finding the appellant guilty of murder on the basis of the verdict on count one.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Having differed from the opinions of the assessors, the learned judge gave his re
asons in writing as required by section 299. When the assessors had first given their opinion, he had remarked on the apparent inconsistency between their opinion on count one in relation to the first blow struck on the man and that on count four in relat
ion to the next two blows struck on the girl.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10386450 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
In his written reasons, he acknowledged that it is rare for the judge to overrule the opinion of the assessors and noted that it must be for highly cogent reasons and where the evidence is so over-whelming as t
o make the assessors' opinion perverse. That was the correct approach. He continued:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3099252 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14700369 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
Here, I have regretfully come to the conclusion the assessors' opinions that there was a reasonable doubt about murder on count four has to be the result of a fundamental error }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1984995 
on their part in appreciation of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015  the mental element in murder.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
For murder the exact same intent to do grievous harm to Verenaisi was an element as the assessors found the accused intended to do to Etuate. They found that intent existed when the ac
cused struck the first of three blows in what must have been reasonably quick succession.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
The accused was wielding a big piece of wood, resembling a battle-axe. The first blow hit Etuate on the skull. Using the same weapon, the second and third blows hit 
Verenaisi on the upper left arm and the left skull. The third blow shattered the floor of her skull and irrevocably damaged her brain.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
On count one the assessors had no difficulty finding an intent in the accused's mind to grievously harm Etuate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2180835  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 ...}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2180835  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Possessing the intent in regard to Etuate inevitably connoted a knowledge that grievous harm would probably likely result to him.

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13399888 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
If you intend a consequence you must inevitably know or believe that consequence will at least be likely to occur. Swinging the sa
me weapon to the skull of Verenaisi, within moments of swinging the same weapon at the skull of Etuate must mean that the accused was at least aware of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 what that w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 ould cause as a probably likely }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
consequence to Verenaisi.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13399888 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3099252 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 Consistentl
y with their finding on Etuate, the assessors had no option but to find, if not the same intent, at least the necessary knowledge of consequence of serious or permanent harm to Verenaisi as a probable likelihood.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2180835 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3099252 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4083015 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 On that basis, we accept he had every reason to reach the verdict he did.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3099252 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
One further point raised by the appellant on these two grounds was that, as the judge agreed with the assessors' opinion on count one, he did not make an independent decision. There is no merit in that point. Where the judge agrees}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 
with the assessors' opinion, he may give a verdict that is the same. It is still his reasoned judgment and it would be ludicrous if it were assumed that, by so doing, he had not reached his own conclusion.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 The final ground is that the j}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 udge erre
d in law in overturning the assessors' opinion on manslaughter and finding him guilty of murder on the basis of the verdict on count one.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3099252 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid4083015 The only argument put forward in support of this was the same as that advanced for ground three namely, that the verd
ict of manslaughter was correct because the appellant's desire had overwhelmed him to the extent he was blind to the consequences of his actions. We have already dealt with this.
\par 
\par The appeal is dismissed.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3099252 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13448469 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid3099252 Appeal dismissed}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15360359 .}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13448469 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1981879 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid1981879 Marie Chan}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4083015\charrsid1981879 
\par }}