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\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid7289737 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}FIJI{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid13983908 (WESTERN DIVISION}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14645650\charrsid13983908 )}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid13983908 
\par AT LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid13983908 Criminal Appeal No. 88 of 1977
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 BETWEEN
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid7289737 SURUJ LAL}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 s/o Mahadeo
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8484654 (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 Appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8484654 )}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 AND
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid7289737 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1
{\factoidname City}}REGINA{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8484654 (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 Respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8484654 )}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par Mr.S.R. Shankar, Counsel for the Appellant
\par Mr. Ikbal Khan, Counsel for the Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7289737 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737\charrsid7289737 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 
\par The appellant on {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 8}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 7}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}8/7/77{\*\xmlclose}
 was convicted by a magistrate for receiving a horse saddle }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15927982 between }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 3rd}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918  and 12}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7289737 th day of September, 1976 knowing the same to have been stolen}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2253544 
\par 
\par The complainant (P.W.1), Paidanna s/o Chinaiya is a fa}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 r}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2253544 mer. His evidence was not challenged by defence counsel and the magistrate accepted 
it. He says that the saddle cost him $40 and was in a new condition although he had it for 10 years and he kept it in his garage}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
. He went away for a while in September, 1976 and on his return the saddle was missing. He notified the police who recovered it and he identified it on {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}
{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}16/9/76{\*\xmlclose}. There must be some discrepancy in this date because the police did not recover it until 28.9.76 (post P.W.5).

\par 
\par P.W.2, a carrier, said that in September 1976 he was hired to take some men to Qalau to a spot }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2254369 20 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
chains from the house of the complainant whom he knows. In the short time that P.W.2 took to return his motor vehicle round they fetched a saddle which was transported, to the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 s house and handed to him.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064 P.W.5, the investigating police officer went to appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064 s house on 
{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}28/9/76{\*\xmlclose} at 
{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}12.15 A.M.{\*\xmlclose}
 and wake him. The appellant denied that he had a saddle of any kind in his house and denied having received a saddle from a person called Possy. When told the place would be searched the appellant asked the police to wait until}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3998642  day time.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064 
\par He was asked about sack and its contents which were found in his house. The appellant denied knowing how the bag had got there and denied knowledge if its}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064 contents.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943  It contained a saddle which proved to be that of the complainant.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9004064 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 
\par The appellant denied being aware of the saddle}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 s presence or}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5133541  of}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943  its owner. He was arrested having been told that P.W.5 suspected it was stolen}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15687350 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 
 Thereupon the appellant said he had purchased the saddle about 3 weeks before from Possy for $15.00. He said he did know it was stolen. He stated that he had known Possy for 2 years}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4657312 .}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 On the same da
y, 28.9.76, he was charged and cautioned by P.W.6 and reply to the charge he stated that he had bought it from a man whom he did not know by name but whom he had met in the market. He said the man did not have the saddle with him but wanted $40.00 for it.
 The appellant offered $15.00 and later that day this man delivered the saddle to the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 s home and the appellant gave him $15.00.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid677943 
\par No evidence was tendered by the defence.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294364 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057485 The original appeal lacked any particulars and I rejected it in that form allowing extra time for filing an amended petition.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294364 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057485 
\par The first ground of appeal alleges that the magistrate based his findings of guilt on lies told by the appellant.
\par 
\par Ground 2 alleges that there was no evidence of theft.
\par 
\par Ground 3 alleges that the magistrat
e did not direct himself that onus was on the prosecution to show that the appellant knew the saddle was stolen and that the magistrate did not direct himself that the standard of proof required was to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the appellant
}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057485 s guilt.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid67825 With regard to Ground 2, Mr. Shankar for the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10965030 
 argued that there was no evidence showing that no one had permission to move the saddle. He submitted that a member of the family could have given it away}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5925109 .}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6057485 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 
\par It is true that questions such a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5266806 s }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5266806 Did you give it to anyone ?}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5266806 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 Had anyone your authority to remove it?}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 
 were not put to the complainant . However, he lost no time in reporting its disappearance to the police and had it been removed with his authority he would not have hurried to the police.
\par 
\par Proof of a theft is gleaned from the evidence as a whole in the absence of a witness who saw the removal of the article and who at the time }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325919 was }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 aware that a theft was occurring e.g. an eye witness to a snatching or }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 
smash and grab}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452  raid}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14552481 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117452 

\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14552481 
\par P.W.2, the carrier, says that he stopped 20 chains from the complainant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14552481 s}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10031832 
 house}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14552481  and the saddle was loaded almost immediately indicating that it must have been }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13858530 
concealed there for the purpose of collection. The only person(s) who would be likely to have concealed it is the thief who took it from the complainant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13858530 s garage.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14552481 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7489531 
\par On the issue of theft the learned magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7489531 s judgment was brief in the extreme.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7489531 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7489531 
Prosecution rely on the doctrine of recent possession. Accept P.W.1}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7489531 
s evidence that saddle taken from his house (garage) during his absence from {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0
{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}Suva{\*\xmlclose} early in September. Could only have been stolen}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11542238 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7489531 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11542238 Mr. Shankar for the appellant submitted that the saddle could have been rem
oved by a member of the family or its disappearance could have been accounted for in some way other than by stealing. However, a perusal of the evidence to which I have already referred could leave no doubt but that the saddle had been stolen. If a member
 of the complaint}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11542238 
s family had been involved he would have been an accomplice to the stealing. In taking the saddle away in a motor vehicle and selling it to the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1797639 
 the vendor of the saddle clearly demonstrated an intension permanently to deprive the owner thereof.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1797639 
\par Had there been, on the evidence, any possibility of the saddle being removed in the circumstances not amounting to theft this appeal would succeed because the magistrate gave no reasons to show why he concluded 
it had been stolen. But on the prosecution evidence which the learned magistrate obviously accepted- and there was no other evidence for the magistrate to consider-a finding that the saddle had not been stolen would be contrary to commonsense.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10910380 
\par The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6452599 first ground of appeal alleges that the magistrate over emphaised th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9897466 e lies told by the appellant in}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6452599 finding him guilty.
\par Reference was made to }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6452599\charrsid6452599 R v. Broadhurst}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6452599  1964, A.C. 441, where the Privy Council considered the effect of lies}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2375090  told in evidence by an accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6452599 . }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16678420 The Privy Council}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16678420 s views were re-iterated in }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16678420\charrsid16678420 R v. Dehar}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16678420 , 1969 N.Z.L.R, 763, in which the court considered statements made out of court and in court by an accused. They held that where lies told by an accused are relied upon for the pur}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697292 pose of obtaining a conviction the judge should direct the jury that }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 :}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697292 -}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10910380 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697292 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6697292 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697292 
(1) they must first consider whether they were satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the appellant had deliberately lied\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85.. and,
\par 
\par (2) if they had come to conclusion that this was satisfactory proved
 they could consider whether the fact of telling those lies  was a fact which, in the circumstance of this case, pointed to guilt and when to the rest of the evidence could prove the substantive Crown case beyond reasonable doubt.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6697292 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 Mr. Shankar pointed out
 that persons lie for various reasons apart from the desire to conceal guilt. That argument has been constantly noted by courts of all degrees and it is necessary to draw it to a jury}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 s attention during summing up, provided of course there is evidence point}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7677858 ing to reasons other than guilt}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980  which could, have prompted an accused to tell lies.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896918 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216653 The judgment reveals that it was not only lies told by the appellant to the police which the magistrate considered but also his conduct when first approached by the po
lice. Thus the appellant endeavoured to persuade the police to postpone searching his promises until later in the day. The magistrate would be entitled to take the view that the accused was aware that he had in his house the saddle about which the police 
questioned him and that if they found it he would experience difficulty in giving an innocent explan}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14879734 
ation for its presence when he had already denied having any saddle in his possession and denied receiving one from Possy. When shown the sack he denied know
ing how it came to be in his house and what were its contents. When the sack was opened to reveal the saddle and when told he would have to go to the police station he then admitted he had purchased it from Possy}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174 . At the police station when charged he retracted his admission of having bought it from Possy and said he had purchased }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13728864 it }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174 from a man whose name he did not know.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174 
\par Why so much prevarication and lies if the appellant acquired the saddle in innocent circumstance?
\par 
\par In }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174\charrsid4865302 R v. Chapman}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174  1973, 2.W.L.R. 876 the Court of Appeal referred to lies told out of court at p.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4332214 883 M/F}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541  saying }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 :}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 -}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11288174 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7632541 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 
Proof of a lie told out of Court is capable of being direct evidence admissible at the tr}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16001815 i}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 
al amounting to affirmative proof of the untruth of the defendant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 s denial of guilt. Thi
s in turn may tend to confirm evidence against him and to implicate him in the offence charged.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7632541 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16001815 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16001815 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16001815 Why should the magistrate have considered whether the appellant}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16001815 s prevarication and lies were promoted by fear, or by being in a sleepy doze or bath? There is
 no evidence that the appellant ever said he was in such a state. The appellant did not give evidence at his trial }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11942561 and the magistrate could not put into the appellant}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11942561 s mouth evidence which the magistrate thought he would have tendered.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11942561 
\par It was open for the magistrate to take the view that the lies told by the accused to the police and his conduct when they came to search his house pointed to a guilty mind. I would not have expected him to draw any other conclusion in the circumstance}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543790 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11942561 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543790 
\par Regarding the third ground of appeal that the learned magistrate did not direct himself as to the burden of proof and standard of proof. It is not encumbent upon a professional magistrate to write a judgment in the style of a judge}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543790 s summing up}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5327375 . Asses}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334824 s}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5327375 ors ar
e not aware of the law nor of the way in which to assess evidence according to the proper principles. Therefore it has to be obvious from summing up that they were properly instructed in such matters before they return any opinions It is not necessary for
 a magistrate to record his knowledge of the law and rules of evidence as I sated in }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5327375\charrsid4394773 VONIVATE DRAUNIMASI v R}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5327375 
, Lautoka Cr.App. 25/77.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid414280  Some professional magistrates invariably use phrases such as }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid414280 the onus is on the prosecution}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 ";}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 the burden is never on the accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 ";}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 the standard of proof is satisfaction beyond reasonable doubt}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 ";}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276  and so forth. They could almost be }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 rubber stamped}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 
 at the commencement of a judgment. It is certainly not a wrong approach because it remainds a magistrate of his duties. What matters is whether he has conformed with them and this will be demonstrated by his written judgment.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4543790 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334824 There is nothing in the learned magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334824 
s judgment to even suggest he did not follow the law and the rules of evidence. At no ti}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13243312 me does he intimate that any onus is cast upon the accused.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3423276 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13243312 
\par The magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13243312 
s judgment contains a reference to the value of the saddle. He says it could have been purchased for $15.00 or $50.00 in the ordinary way. The appellant says there was no evidence as to the value of the saddle when it was rec}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14298424 eived by the appellant.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13243312 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14298424 
\par In evidence the complainant said he}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1528155  paid $40.00 for it 10 years ago}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14298424 
 and that it is still in a new condition. Having regard to inflation and the drop in money values one may safely conclude that the $40.00 of 10 yea
rs ago would represent $80.00 or more at the present time. There was nothing wrong in the magistrate regarding the price of $15.00 as being unusually low and in taking this into account, as he did, as a factor pointing to the appellant}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14298424 s guilty knowledge.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5251414 
The appeal against conviction fails. The accused was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment in 1970 for cattle stealing and the sentence of 12 months imprisonment imposed in this case is not excessive.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14298424 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16264123 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123\charrsid16264123 (Sgd.) J.T. Williams
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14313970 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123 
\par LAUTOKA,
\par {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}}21st October, 1977}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3016094 {\*\xmlclose}.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8480980 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123 Messrs. G.P.Shankar & Co., for the Appellant
\par Director of Public Prosecutions for the Respondent
\par Date of Hearing}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13983908 :}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16264123  7th day of October, 1977.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14313970\charrsid14313970 
\par }}