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(}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 IN }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 THE SUPREME COURT OF {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}FIJI{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 23 OF 1976}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9794431 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6819744 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6819744 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6819744 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9794431 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6819744\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 MUTTAIYA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 \par s/o Kottaiya \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 2.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 SAMINANDAN GOUNDAR}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 s/o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 Sub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ramani }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 Gound}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Appellants}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 ND}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 REGINAM \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Respondent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The two appellants were convicted of the offence of larceny by a s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8216940 ervant contrary to section 306(a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ) of the Penal Code by the Labasa Magistrates Court on the 21st day of July, 1976.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The first appellant was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and the second appellant to fifteen months' imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The first appellant on the same day was also convicted of an additional offence of larceny by a servant and sentenced}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 to one year's imprisonment con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 secutive to sentence on the first conviction. \par \par Both appellants appealed against conviction and sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 I will deal first with the first appellant's appeal. Although there are three grounds of appeal as to conviction they are all appeals from finding of facts}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 or failure by the trial Magistrate to properly evaluate the evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 It is not necessary to restate the facts which the record indicates the trial Magistrate fully considered in his judgment. I am entirely in agreement with the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366164 trial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Magistrate's comment on the first count that "the weight of evidence against the first accused of larceny of the cigarette papers is overwhelming". There was in addition a confession by the first appellant admitting the offence.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 As to the second offence the first appellant admitted in his confession that all the items listed in the particulars of the offence had been stolen by him. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The trial Magistrate in a "trial within a trial" was entirely satisfied that the confession was voluntary.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 There was ample evidence on both counts to establish the offences beyond any reasonable doubt which the trial Magistrate properly considered and evaluated.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The appeal against conviction fails.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 With regard to the appeal against sentence the trial Magistrate fully considered all matters urged in mitigation. He was of the view that the offence was a serious one and a deterrent sentence was necessary. With this view I am in agreement.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 While the first appellant was treated as a first offender, since there was no prior conviction involving dishonesty, a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 sentence of two years' imprison}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ment for the offence is not unduly harsh or excessive. Counsel for the first appellant referred to the case}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid1931299 Finau Rolivolivoli v}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid1931299 . }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid1931299 Regin}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid1931299 am}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Cr. App. No. 18 of 1976 where Grant C.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 J.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 quashed the sentences on six }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 counts of larceny by a servant where a sentence of twelve months' imprisonment on each count was imposed the sentences}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 to run consecutively - a total of six years' imprisonment. Grant C.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 J. substituted concu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 rrent sentences of 18}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 months' imprisonment on each count. In that case the appellant was a youth and had pleaded guilty. }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid1931299 Jai Nand Shankar v. Reginam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Cr. App. No. 30 of 1976 was a similar case also involving consecutive sentences for 12 offences of larceny by a servant. Grant C.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 J. in that case stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1931299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 "Each count should normally bear the penalty which it warrants and so as to ensure that the aggregate punishment is not excessive, the sentenc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 es should be ordered to run con}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 currently."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 In the instant case the sentence for the second offence was ordered to run consecutively with the sentence for the first offence. Counsel for the Crown conceded that the sentence should run concurrently faith which view I agree.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 While I would not normally interfere with the sentence of two years' imprisonment on the first count and entirely agree with the reasons given by the trial}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Magistrate for imposing an immediate cus todial term there is one aspect which was not considered by the trial Magistrate which inclines me to the view that the interests of justice would be served if the sentence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 was reduced to 18 months' imprisonment. \par \par The accused was first before the Court on 21st April 1975 but it was not until the 2nd July 1976 that his case was finally concluded. There were no less than}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 19 adjournments. There has also, regrettably, been}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 undue delay in the hearing of this appeal which was first listed for hearing on the 1st O ctober 1976 and finally heard on the 4th April 1977. I would agree with counsel for the first appellant that the delays in this case must have caused the appellant mental anguish for a period longer than is usual even taking into account delays caused by the congestion in the Magistrates Courts. Taking into account all factors I consider that 18 months' imprisonment on the first count would be adequate punishment for the offence which involved goods valued}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 at $90.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 I allow the appeal against sentence. The sentences are quashed and in substitution therefore the appellant is sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment on}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the first conviction and 12 months' imprisonment on the second the sentence on the second conviction to run concurrently.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 I turn now to the second appellant's appeal. The appeal was allowed at the hearing and the conviction quashe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5120048 d and I advised that I }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 would give written reasons for allowing the appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The second appellant was jointly charged with the first appellant of larceny by a servant of five large packets of cigarettes papers valued at $90.00}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the property of his employer Naugan Rana. He pleaded not guilty and gave evidence on oath.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The trial Magistrate in a very full considered judgment when considering the evidence against the second appellant stated "clearly there are serious gaps in the prosecution case."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The prosecution case established that the second appellant was employed as a delivery boy although he did on occasions serve customers. He was at the time 20 yea rs of age. On the day of the alleged offence he with the first appellant, a man of 40 years of age who was clearly the senior employee, were in Rana's shop.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 One Chote Lal (P.W.2) came into the shop and had a discussion with the first appellant. The first appellant instructed the second appellant to hand over to Chote Lal a Cold Power carton which was tied up and which evidence later established contained the stolen cigarette papers. It is clear from Chote Lal's evidence that the contents of the carton wer e not visible.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 On the first appellant's instructions Chote Lal delivered}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the carton to Isar Din's shop across the road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 After first delivering it in error to a shop next door. Chote Lal's evidence makes it clear that he only had contact and discussions with the first appellant. He admitted he had no discussion with the second appellant at all. \par \par The trial Magistrate in setting out his findings on the facts stated "The second accused picked this carton up and gave it to the first accused who}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 handed it over to Chote Lal". However in considering the evidence against the second appellant the trial Magistrate said:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1931299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 In the event the only evidence ag}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 ainst the second accused is th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 e fact that it was he who handed over the carton containing the stolen cigarette papers to Chote Lal and that he was with the first accused later in the day, shortly after 5 p.m., when Jai Narayan handed over the sum of $40.00 to the first accused who, in turn, gave the second accused one half of this money - a sum of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16475103 $}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 20.00."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 This was a clear misdirection by the trial Magistrate and a relevant one as this finding that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the second appellant handed over the carton to Chote Lal was treated by the trial Magistrate as evidence of participation by the second appellant in the crime}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 with the first appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 On its own there was nothing suspici}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 ous in the fact that the second }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 appellant handled the carton.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 He was a junior delivery}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16475103 boy and acted on the instruction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 s of his senior the first appellant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 As Chote Lal himself stated in evidence "It was done quite openly. There}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 was nothing suspicious"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The trial Magistrate however had to consider the payment of $20 to the second appellant by the first appellant later in the day at Isar Din's shop.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The only evidence the prosecution could produce regarding this payment of $20 was the statement after caution made by the second appellant to the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 police about two hours after the payment was made. The second appellant's statement from the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses indicates that the story he told was factual. At the trial he gave evidence on oath and told the same story as related in his statement except that for the first time he gave a reason for the payment to him of $20 - that it was repayment of money lent by him to the first appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The trial Magistrate did not believe the second appellant's explanation about the repayment of the loan. He said in his judgment "Further, the second}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 accused made no mention o f the loan repayment in either of his statements to the police..." This overlooked two facts. First the second appellant was not obliged to say anything to the police and secondly it is obvious that the police did not ask him why the money had been paid t o him. The trial Magistrate also}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 speculated about the fact that the first appellant had earlier that day received $40 or $50 as an advance from his employer and could have repaid the loan earlier that day if he was anxious to repay the money.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 The trial Magistrate did not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 believe the second appellant's story that he had not gone to Isar Din's shop with the first appellant and that his being there}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 at the time Jai Narayan paid the first appellant $40 for the cigarette papers was entirely fortuitous.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 In his first f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 inding on the facts the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 said "... the first accused went to Isar Din's shop. \par The second accused was also there but standing in the doorway." Later in his judgment when r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid752364 eferring to Gulab Chand's (P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 10) evidence the Magistrate states "But that witness also says that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 two accused came together .....}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12530672\charrsid12530672 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 He goes on to state "There is no reason why that witness should lie."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Gulab Chand was closely related to Jai Narayan the man who paid the $40 to the first appellant. He was Isar Din 's grandson and Jai Narayan was Isar Din's son. He said nothing about any payment by the first appellant to the second appellant although he did see Jai Narayan hand over $40 to the first appellant. He testified that the first appellant came into the shop alone. He saw the second appellant. He first said the second appellant stood in the door way but under cross-examination he said the second appellant stood outside the shop. He did not say he had seen the two men arrive together. The second appellant's st ory about the payment he received indicates that he went inside the shop, spoke to the first appellant and asked for a cigarette which he received. The first appellant then paid him $20. He told the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 same story on oath at the trial}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 and this was not challenge d by the prosecution. There appears to be no reason why the second appellant should freely admit to receiving payment of $20 vender suspicious circumstances but should lie about where the money was paid to him.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 On the evidence I am not satis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 fied beyond rea sonable doubt that it was established that the first and second appellants went to Isar Din's shop together that afternoon.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 Before convicting the second appellant and after considering all the evide}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 nce the trial Magistrate said:-}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1931299 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 "I do not believe that the first accused would suddenly produce the sum of $20 when all he was asked to provide was a cigarette. I come to the ines}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 ca}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid752364 pable conclusion}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid752364 that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 pay}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ment was the second accused's one half share of the payment for the cigarette papers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 stolen by the two accused and sold to Jai Narayan of Isar Din's shop that afternoo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 n. I am satisfied beyond reason}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 able doubt that the second accused knew full well what was in the carton and went with the first accused for the sole purpose of obtaining his share of the proceeds."}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12530672 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The only suspicious act by the second appellant connecting him with the offence was his receipt of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 $20 which was half the proceeds of the stolen goods.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299\charrsid12530672 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 The conclusion the trial Magistrate came to was an assumption based on proven facts an assumption he was entitled to make if the facts established}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1931299 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 beyond reasonable doubt that the second appellant was a principal offender. On the evidence I would not accept that the inescapable conclusion was as stated by the trial Magistrate. The mere payment of the $20 which was}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 half the proceeds of the sale o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the stolen cigarette papers could have been a share}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 of the sale proceeds in which }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 the second appellant could have}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 been either a principal offender or an accessory after the fact an offence with which he was not charged. It could have been repayment of a loan as the s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 econd defendant claimed or even}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 "hush money" paid by the first appellant on realising that the second appellant might suspect a crime had been committed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 \par I do not consider however that a Court can speculate in this manner and make assumptions which the evidence does not clearly justify. Did the admitted}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 payment of $20 by the first appellant to the second appellant in the absence of any other suspicious circumstances clearl y pointing to the involvement of the second appellant in the theft of the cigarette papers justify the conclusi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 on the trial Magistrate reached}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 ? In my view it did not.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 \par On consideration of all the evidence in my view the prosecution did not establish the guilt o\'a3 the second appellant beyond all reasonable doubt and he must be given the benefit of such doubt.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid12530672 \par I confirm that the appeal succeeded and the conviction of the second appellant has been quashed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5322946 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid752364 (SGT) R. G. Kermode}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5322946\charrsid5322946 \par JUDGE \par }}