{\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 2;}{\s16\ql \fi1152\li0\ri0\sl480\slmult0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 
\sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 3;}{\s17\ql \li0\ri0\sa72\sl480\slmult0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext17 Style 1;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-724429858
\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid-645262948\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-720\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }
{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li2520\jclisttab\tx2520\lin2520 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2
\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li3240\jclisttab\tx3240\lin3240 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0
\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li3960\jclisttab\tx3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1
\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li4680\jclisttab\tx4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0
{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li5400\jclisttab\tx5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li6120\jclisttab\tx6120\lin6120 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713
\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li6840\jclisttab\tx6840\lin6840 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers
\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li7560\jclisttab\tx7560\lin7560 }{\listname ;}\listid214975958}{\list\listtemplateid-532544536\listhybrid{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid507257652\'03(\'00);}{\levelnumbers\'02;}\fbias0\hres0\chhres0 \fi-720\li2160\jclisttab\tx2160\lin2160 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext
\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'01.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li2520\jclisttab\tx2520\lin2520 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715
\'02\'02.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li3240\jclisttab\tx3240\lin3240 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'03.;}{\levelnumbers
\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li3960\jclisttab\tx3960\lin3960 }{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'04.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 
\fi-360\li4680\jclisttab\tx4680\lin4680 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'05.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li5400
\jclisttab\tx5400\lin5400 }{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698703\'02\'06.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li6120\jclisttab\tx6120\lin6120 }
{\listlevel\levelnfc4\levelnfcn4\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698713\'02\'07.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-360\li6840\jclisttab\tx6840\lin6840 }{\listlevel\levelnfc2
\levelnfcn2\leveljc2\leveljcn2\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\leveltemplateid67698715\'02\'08.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\hres0\chhres0 \fi-180\li7560\jclisttab\tx7560\lin7560 }{\listname ;}\listid1188330768}}
{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid1188330768\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid214975958\listoverridecount0\ls2}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid140683\rsid148464\rsid341302\rsid1326646\rsid2237614\rsid2648464\rsid3407939\rsid3677577\rsid3813123
\rsid4128774\rsid4288449\rsid4489096\rsid4983485\rsid5315806\rsid5382127\rsid5442639\rsid5906147\rsid5984527\rsid6049949\rsid6120824\rsid6234712\rsid6310662\rsid6430263\rsid7012978\rsid7030981\rsid7143568\rsid7306151\rsid7809095\rsid8475042\rsid9311194
\rsid9337170\rsid10445720\rsid10907429\rsid11432517\rsid11796505\rsid11954584\rsid12077480\rsid12546761\rsid13179733\rsid13454098\rsid13503206\rsid13841038\rsid14107807\rsid14118302\rsid14168680\rsid14184125\rsid14235268\rsid14506828\rsid14616659
\rsid14907521\rsid14952723\rsid15421362\rsid15476698\rsid15480642\rsid15601278\rsid15608953\rsid15868073\rsid15954145}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}
{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy23\hr11\min25}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy11\hr10\min43}{\version37}{\edmins166}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1595}{\nofchars9095}{\*\company USP, Emalus Campus}{\nofcharsws10669}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }
\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0\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\rsidroot1326646 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid6120824\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\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7809095 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid7809095 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid7809095 Criminal Appeal No. 86 of }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid7809095 1978
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 BETWEEN}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\b\fs24\insrsid6120824 MANI LAL}{\b\fs24\insrsid13503206  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid11954584 s/o BEHARI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 AND
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\b\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 REGINAM
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid9337170\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\b\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par On the 1}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 5th August 1978 at Suva Magistrates Court the appellant was convicted after trial of driving under the influence of drink contrary to section 39(1) of the Traffic Ordinance and was fined $350 and disq}{
\fs24\insrsid12077480 ualified from holding a driving }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 licence for two years.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid10445720\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 The appellant was originally charged with an additional offence of dangerous driving contrary }{\fs24\insrsid6430263\charrsid4983485 to section 38(1) of the Traffic Ordinance bu}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
t at his trial the prosecution conceded}{\fs24\insrsid6430263\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 that in regard thereto the appellant had not been served with a notice of inte
nded prosecution under section 41 of the Traffic Ordinance and in consequence he was acquitted.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6430263\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 The appellant has appealed against the conviction and sentence and the Crown (which for convenience I shall continue}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
to refer to as the respondent) has appealed against the acquittal of the appellant in respect of the charge of dangerous driving.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15954145\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 The prosecution evidence established that on the}{\fs24\insrsid14107807  evening of}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  the 16th July 197}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 8}{
\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  the appellant }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 was driving a}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 truck along Kings Road in the direction of Suva}{
\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  in a zig-z}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 ag}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 manner, on and off the footpath, and other road users had to}{
\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 take avoiding action. The truck ultimately stopped obliquely}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
across the road, causing an obstruction, and a police officer apprehended the appellant. He smelled strongly of liquor, his speech }{\fs24\insrsid4983485 was slurred, he was unsteady on }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 his feet and had}{
\fs24\insrsid148464  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 to be assisted into the police vehicle. At the police station the appellant refused to be examined by a doctor but agreed to carry out some tests in the presence of th
e detective senior inspector on duty. On standing up he nearly fell over and}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
had to grasp the table for support. He was unable to walk straight, and on being asked to turn round he lost his balance}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
and had to hold on to the wall. With his eyes closed he was}{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
unable to touch his nose with his fingers or to place his fingertips together. He admitted having taken gin but could not remember how much he had drunk. The detective senior inspector was of the opinion that the appellant was drunk, and he was detained 
overnight and on the following morning he was charged by the police with drunken driving and with dangerous driving. On the same morning he was taken before Suva Magistrates Court on a charge of drunken driving and dangerous driving to which he pleaded no
t guilty.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15476698\charrsid4983485 
\par At}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  h}{\fs24\insrsid341302\charrsid4983485 is trial the appellant admitted}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
 having drunk three or four "nips" of gin but denied that he was drunk and called a witness to that effect who}{\fs24\insrsid341302\charrsid4983485  had been drinking with him. The}{\fs24\insrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
appellant also claimed that the reason he was unable to walk in a straight line at the police station was a leg injury.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7143568\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 The trial Magistrate did not believe the defence and}{\fs24\insrsid7143568\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 accepted the prosecution evidence, which was sufficient to}{
\fs24\insrsid7143568\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 ground a conviction not only for drunken driving but also for dangerous driving.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid7143568\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 In his pe
tition of appeal the appellant claims that there was a conflict between the evidence of some of the prosecution witnesses, but having perused the record I am satisfied that there was no material discrepancy. The appellant also maintains that the detective
 senior inspector, not being an expert witness, was not entitled to say that the appellant was so drunk as to be unfit to drive. That}{\fs24\insrsid14907521\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
is so, but the detective senior inspector did not presume to testify that the appellant was so drunk as to be unfit to driv
e. What he did say was that after examining the appellant at Central Police Station he informed him that in his opinion he was drunk to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of a }{\fs24\insrsid14907521\charrsid4983485 
motor vehicle, which was simply }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 a recital of a conversation that had taken place between him and the appellant, not evidence of the appellant}{\fs24\insrsid6120824 '}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
s incapacity. The appellant also claims that he wa}{\fs24\insrsid14907521\charrsid4983485 s not involved in an accident }{\fs24\insrsid15421362 - }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 which is irrelevant; and that there was insufficient evidence to co}{
\fs24\insrsid14907521\charrsid4983485 nvict him of drunken driving - }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 a submission which cannot be sustained.
\par 
\par As to sentence, this was not harsh and excessive as the ap}{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 pellant maintains but was fully}{\fs24\insrsid15421362  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
justified in the circumstances of the case. His appeal is accordingly dismissed.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 As to the cross appeal of the respondent, at the close}{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 of the prosecution case, the }{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
prosecution having}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 conceded that}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  the appellant was not served with a notice of intended}{\fs24\insrsid14118302  }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 prosecution under section 41 of the Traffic Ordinance, defence}{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 counsel submitted that the appellant could not be convicted}{
\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 of dangerous driving and the trial Magistrate upheld that}{\fs24\insrsid7012978  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 submis}{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
sion for the following reasons:}{\fs24\insrsid2237614 -}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 "In my view t}{\fs24\insrsid15868073 he provisions of section 41 Cap.}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
152 not complied with. None of the three }{\fs24\insrsid14952723 ways }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 of advising the accused of the charge against }{\fs24\insrsid5382127 him }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
was followed. He was not warned at the time, }{\fs24\insrsid15480642 he }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 did not receive notice of intended prosecution }{\fs24\insrsid7306151 within }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
14 days, he did not have summons served on him }{\fs24\insrsid13454098 within }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 14 days.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6120824 {\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 This technicality is a strict one. It is ridiculous in the extreme but it is the law.}{\fs24\insrsid6310662 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6120824 {\fs24\insrsid4288449\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485 
None of those courses open to the police was followed. It is, in my view, ludicrous to be able to shelter such a technicality but put simply it }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
has not been complied with. The police could easily have served accused with notice of intended}{\fs24\insrsid7030981  prosecution before he came to C}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
ourt that day. I regret that the law is such an ass in this case but it is the law and this Court cannot legislate. Accused is entitled to the full protection of the law and I}{\fs24\insrsid15601278\charrsid4983485  give it to him. }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 He is acquitted on Count 2."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par I intend no disrespect to the trial Magistrate when I say that the law is not an ass. Certainly there are occasions, mai}{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485 nly due to unfortunate drafting }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
of legislation, when the law appears to be an ass; but it is for the Courts, so far as they are able, to ensure that the appearance does not become the reality.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 The classic approach to the construction of legislation}{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485  was laid down in }{\b\i\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid13841038 Hey}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid13841038 don}{
\b\fs24\insrsid6120824\charrsid5906147 '}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid13841038 s}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  case (1584) 76 E.R. 637 at 638 as}{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485  follows:}{\fs24\insrsid8475042 -}{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
"For the sure and true interpretation of all statutes in general (be they penal or beneficial, restrictive or enlarging of the common law), four things are to be discerned and considered:}{\fs24\insrsid6310662 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid4489096\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 (1) What was the common law before
 the making of the Act (2) What was the mischief and defect for which the common law did not provide (3) What remedy the Parliament hath resolved and appointed to cure the disease of the commonwealth (4) The true reason of the remedy; }{
\fs24\insrsid12546761 and then the office of all the J}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 udges}{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
is always to make such construction as shall suppress the mischief, and advance the remedy, and to suppress subtle inventions and evasions for the continuance of the mischief, and pro pr}{\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485 
ivato commodo, and to add force }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 and life to the cure and remedy, according to the true intent of the makers of the Act, pro bono publico."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid14235268\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 Section 41 }{\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 of the Traffic Ordinance reads:}{\fs24\insrsid3677577 -}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15608953 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 "Where a person is prosecuted }{\fs24\insrsid13841038 for an offence under any of the }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 provisions of this Part of this Ordinance relating r}{\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 espectively to the maximum speed}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 "}{\fs24\insrsid14168680  }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 at which motor vehicles may be driven, to reckless or dangerous driving, and to careless driving he shall }{\fs24\insrsid13841038 not be convicted unless }{\fs24\insrsid6120824 either -}{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid14616659 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 (a) he was warned at the time the offence was committed that the question of prosecuting him
 for an offence under some one or other}{\fs24\insrsid14616659  }{\fs24\insrsid13841038 of the provisions aforesaid}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  would be taken into consideration; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6120824 {\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid6234712 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 (b) within fourteen days of the commission of the offence a summons for the offence was served on him; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6120824 {\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11432517 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
(c) within the said fourteen days a notice of the intended prosecution specifying the nature of the alleged offence and the time}{\fs24\insrsid11432517  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
and place where it is alleged to have been committed was served on or sent b}{\fs24\insrsid13841038 y registered}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  post to him or the person registered a
s the owner of the vehicle at the time of the commission of the offence:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid6120824 Provided that -}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid5984527\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 (a)}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  failure to comply with this requ}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
irement shall not be a bar to the conviction of the accused in any case where the court is satisfied that}{\fs24\insrsid6120824  -}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6120824 {\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid4983485 (i) }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 neither the nam}{\fs24\insrsid2648464 e and address of the}{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  accused nor the name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle, could with reasonable diligence have been ascertained in time for a summons to be served or for a notice to be served or sent as aforesaid; or}{
\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li2160\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin2160\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 (ii}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 ) the accused by his own conduct contributed to the failure; and
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid4489096 {\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
(b) the requirement of this section shall in every case be deemed to have been complied with unless and until the contrary is proved."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 Under the common law there is no comparable provision, and}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  the purpose of }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
the enactment is to ensure that a driver is not taken by surprise long after the commiss}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 ion of a driving offence by being}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
 charged with it when his recollection is dulled and witnesse}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 s may be difficult to trace (}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid13841038 R v. B}{\b\i\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid13841038 ilton}{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 (1964) 108 S.J. 880). If a person is driving regularly it}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
 may be very difficult for him, on being charged with speeding, or careless or dangerous driving lo}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 ng after the event, to pinpoint}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
 in his memory the precise incident which gave rise to the charge, and even if he is able to recall it the lapse of time may render it difficult or impossible for him to prepare a proper defence.}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 This is the defect for which the common law did not provide, and for which Parliament, in the interests of the proper}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
administration of justice, has}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  provided a remedy by section 4}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 1.}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
 Once the reason for section 41 is appreciated it is clear that if a driver has been charged}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485  with the offence within fourteen days section 41 has no application. Any other construction}{
\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 would be manifestly absurd and could entail, for example, having to serve an offender with a notice of intended prosecution or}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  }{
\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 a summons after he has appeared before a court on the charge. The sole purpose of the section }{\fs24\insrsid9311194 is to put the driver on notice}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
 and charging him with the offence puts him on notice in a more forcible manner than the procedures laid down by section 41.}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
In accordance with the proper canons of construction I hold,}{\fs24\insrsid4983485  t}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 herefore, that section 41 applies only when a driver has not been charged within fourteen days with the offence or offence}{
\fs24\insrsid13179733 s}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485  to which the section relates.}{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par Consequently the trial}{\fs24\insrsid5315806\charrsid4983485  Magistrate should have found that there was a case for the appellant to answer in respect of Count 2.}{\fs24\insrsid11796505\charrsid4983485  However, as the appellant}{\fs24\insrsid6120824 '}{
\fs24\insrsid11796505\charrsid4983485 s defence was not d
irected to the charge of dangerous driving, if this Court were to set aside the acquittal it would be necessary to remit the case to the case to the trial Magistrate for him to proceed with the trial of the appellant on that charge. As the trial Magistrat
e
 is not at present in Fiji and as the sentence imposed by him is adequate in all the circumstances, the respondent is not asking for this course of action to be taken. Accordingly, while the cross appeal of the respondent succeeds in law, I make no order 
in furtherance thereof.}{\fs24\insrsid140683\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\b\fs24\insrsid4983485\charrsid4983485 Chief J}{\b\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 ustice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4983485 {\fs24\insrsid14184125\charrsid4983485 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid6310662\charrsid4983485 Suva,
\par 10th November 1978.
\par }}