{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden 
Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1403458\rsid2059929\rsid2496752\rsid2842994\rsid3035947\rsid3562313\rsid3620067\rsid4680110\rsid5332407\rsid6645848\rsid8388887\rsid9197741\rsid9720822
\rsid10445726\rsid11036794\rsid11146916\rsid11150205\rsid11929969\rsid13790173\rsid15210120\rsid16525156}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6846;}{\info{\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo8\dy8\hr14\min36}
{\revtim\yr2008\mo12\dy23\hr11\min16}{\version13}{\edmins208}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords821}{\nofchars4683}{\*\company USP, Emalus Campus}{\nofcharsws5494}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }
\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl1440\margr1440\margt1440\margb1440\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701
\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot11929969 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \psz266\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid1403458\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang 
{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}
{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9
\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 IN THE SUPR}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 EM}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 E COURT }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 OF FIJI
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067\charrsid1403458 APPE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067 L}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067\charrsid1403458 LATE}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 97 OF 1977
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid15210120 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid15210120 v}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120 1. APENISA RAIKABULA
\par 2. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067\charrsid15210120 VATILI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067 A}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3620067\charrsid15210120 I}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120  }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid15210120 RAGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120 D}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid15210120 E
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 Re}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 sp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
ndents}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid15210120 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 This is an appeal by the Director of P}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 ublic }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
Prosecutions from the a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 cquittal by the Magistrates Cou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 rt Suva on the 11th Ju}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 ly 1977 of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2496752  respondents of the offence of O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 bstruction contra}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2496752 ry to section 12 of the Minor O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 fences Act No.10 of 1971.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 There are two grounds of appeal as under:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
(a) The learned Magistrate wrongly held that blockage of a public road was necessary to constitute the offence of obstruction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15210120 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 (b) The learned Magistrate wrongly relied on extraneous matters never in evidence.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 P.W.1, a polic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 e corporal whose name does not a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 ppear }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 in the record, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 was on duty in a landrover after}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120  midnight }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 on the 10th July, 1977. He was on patrol in Ratu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 Mara }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Road and there was a crowd blocking the road. After }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 the horn }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
of the landrover was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120  blown all the crowd except the two }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 respondents moved away.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 The horn was blown}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  again}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 but }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
the respondents refused to move and stood in the middle of the road in the path of the landrover.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 The witness spoke to the second respondent who said }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 come on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  The respondents were arrested.
\par 
\par Both the respondents made unsworn statements. Their stories which were similar were that there }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
d been an incident of stone throwing at a taxi that night. They arrived}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120  a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
t the junction of the road just as the police landrover was returning. They said that the landrover tooted its horn, went past them and stopped. The driver asked them what they were doing there and they }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 stated they were coming back fro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 m a dance and were waiting for a taxi.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15210120 While they were talkin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
g to the driver they said a police officer came and got hold of the second respondent's shirt and dragged him to the landrover and he and the other respondent were then taken to the Samabula Police Station.
\par 
\par The trial Magistrate's judgment is brief and was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 as follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110 :
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8388887 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
I find it hard to believe two men could block Ratu Mara Road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8388887 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
I suspect that there was some confrontation between army and police. This occasionally happens. What part the stoning of a taxi played I do not know.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8388887 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 I have a d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110 
oubt as to whether the police or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 the army took th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110 e offensive on this occasio}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4680110 . "One}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388887 -upmanship"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  not criminal offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388887\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8388887 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Defendants found not guilty and acquitted.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388887\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 It will be noted that the trial Magistrate made no findings of fact but it is appa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8388887 
rent from the first paragraph that he accepted P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 1's evidence so far as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848  blocking the road was concerned.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Whi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 le I have sympathy for Magistra}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 tes}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 who h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 ave to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 hear and decide a large number of cases and are}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 called}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  on to write judgments in cases involving very minor offences where}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 in other countries such cases are dealt with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2496752  summarily}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 even to the extent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 of not recording evidence, it is ne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
cessary to write a judgment }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 in a defended case. It is not ne}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 cess}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 
ary to restate all the facts in a judgment and in cases }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 such as the instant one a brief summary of and finding on the essential facts constituting the offence is sufficient.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act 10 of 1971 provides as follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6645848\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13790173 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 12.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Any person who without lawful excuse obstructs in any way the free passage of any public road,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741  or who in any manner }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 wilfully prevents any person from}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741  passing }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 him on a public road,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741 or who by negligence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  or misbeha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741 viour prevents or interferes wit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 h the free passage 
on any public road of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741  an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 y person or}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741  vehicle shall be guilty of an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  offence and shall be liable to a fine not exceedin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9197741 g forty dollars or to imprisonment for a te}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 rm not exceeding two months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 This section is much fuller than sec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 tion 121 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 of the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 Highways Act 1959 (Imp) which covers any wilful}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 obstru}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 ction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 of free passage along a highway.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
Our section 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 goes fur}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 ther}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 and covers cond}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 uct preventing any person from passing an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 other}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  person }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 on a public road or the free passage of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 any person or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 vehicle.
\par 
\par In the case of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11036794 Homer }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid11150205 v. Cadman}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
 (1886) 55 LJ. MC 110 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 it was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 held that to obstruct part of the road is an offence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  un}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 der section 121 of the Highw}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 
ays Act. This was a case where a man marched into a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 Bull Ring}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid13790173 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173  and there addressed a crowd }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 who gathered around him. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 He was convicted notwithstanding}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173  that there w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
as free space for traffic outs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 ide the crowd.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173  His }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13790173 action i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 n assembling the crowd was to render the highway less }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407 co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
nvenient and commodious.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407\charrsid13790173 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 The trial Magistrate as he stated found it hard to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407 believe that two men could b}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 lock Ratu Mara Road.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407\charrsid13790173 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 Section 10 of the Minor Offences Act does not require }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
at the obstruction sh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332407 ould block the road. Any wilful }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 interference with }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
the free passage of any person or vehicle }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 on a public road by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 misbehaviour is sufficient to constitute }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3562313\charrsid13790173 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 
\par The fac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 s }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9720822 i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid13790173 n this instant case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  are clear that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 two r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 espondents without lawful excuse by their misbehaviour }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 in refusing to move }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 away from the path of the landrover prevented or inter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2842994 fered with the free passage on a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458  public road of that vehicle.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
The respondents on the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1403458\charrsid1403458  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205 should h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 ave been convicted by the trial Magistrate.
\par 
\par The minor nature of the offence does not in my view require that the case be remitted to the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 
with a direction to convict the appellants and I exercise}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205  my powers under sec}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 tion 300 of the Criminal Procedure Code.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 The appeal is allowed. The order of the trial Magistrate acquitting the respondents is set aside and they are both convicted of the offence of Obstruction contrary to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 section 12 of the Minor Offences Act 10 of 1971.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11150205 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205\charrsid11150205 (SGD) R. G. Kermode
\par JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid11150205 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1403458 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11150205\charrsid1403458 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3035947\charrsid1403458 Suva,
\par 29th September, 1977.
\par }}