{\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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\cf1\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\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid16930\rsid412881\rsid615918\rsid860056\rsid1060890 \rsid1334988\rsid1838536\rsid2689544\rsid2977786\rsid3233942\rsid3298993\rsid3435373\rsid3628960\rsid3817383\rsid4262697\rsid4485828\rsid4487406\rsid4654126\rsid4799520\rsid4935176\rsid5138770\rsid5449781\rsid5577606\rsid5900752\rsid6388803\rsid6642122 \rsid7094433\rsid7099582\rsid7145370\rsid7669864\rsid8145284\rsid8213874\rsid8983790\rsid9064717\rsid9455067\rsid9572485\rsid9634721\rsid9650894\rsid10180346\rsid10619937\rsid11501071\rsid11797709\rsid12201489\rsid12604126\rsid12994114\rsid13189770 \rsid13198322\rsid13333261\rsid13647009\rsid13981811\rsid14814553\rsid15102475\rsid15165687\rsid15366970\rsid15497296\rsid15564604\rsid16088030\rsid16197955\rsid16322144}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI} {\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy19\hr9\min51}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy12\hr9\min16}{\version24}{\edmins89}{\nofpages2}{\nofwords1051}{\nofchars5997}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws7034}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}} {\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw12240\paperh15840\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace0\dgvspace0\dghorigin0\dgvorigin0\dghshow0 \dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot12604126 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\headery360\footery360\endnhere\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid5449781\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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid2689544 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI \par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 CRIMINAL JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid15366970 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7094433\charrsid15366970 Criminal Appeal}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid15366970 No}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid15366970 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid15366970 95 of 1978 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid15366970 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12994114 BETWEEN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid12604126 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 BHARAT PAL CHAUDHARY}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8213874\charrsid7669864 s/}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid7669864 o SURUJ CHAUDHARY \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid7669864 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12994114 AND}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid2689544 REGINAM}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3435373 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3435373\charrsid15366970 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid2689544 JUDGMENT}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2689544 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689544\charrsid15366970 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12604126 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 This is an appeal against the conviction of the appellant by Suva Magistrates Court on the 18th August 1978 of}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3435373 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 driving under the influence of liquor contrary to section 39(1)}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3435373 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 of the Traffic }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3435373 O}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 rdinance. \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3435373 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 The appeal arises from the fact that, during the course of the trial, there seems to have been some confusion regarding the status of medical testimony in cases of this nature.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346\charrsid12604126 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 The prosecution called a doctor who had examined}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 the appellant with his conse}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 nt after a traffic incident and}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 who}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 carried out medical tests for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the appellant was under the influence of liquor to such an extent as to be incapable of properly controlling}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 a motor vehicle. The doctor gave evidence of the tests he had carried out on the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5900752 appellant and of the appellant}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 s response}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 to same, whereupon the tri}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 al}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 Magistrate interjected:}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5900752 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 I will not record that the doctor thinks the accused fit to drive. I have not heard that he is expert to say that this man is fit to drive.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 Defence counsel thereupon submitted, and rightly submitted, that a doctor is an expert witness for this purpose, in contrast to a police officer whose opinion should not be received, and that it was a matter for the Court to decide what}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 weight}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 to }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10180346 give to }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 the doctor}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 s opinion, to which the Court}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817383 responded: }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817383 I }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 would say that the evidence of an experienced}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14814553 traffic police}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 officer as to fitness to drive would be just as}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817383 expert as the present witness. }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 I have not heard any evidence }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9572485 that this witness is an expert }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 to say whether or not the man is}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3817383 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642122 fit to drive.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6642122 \par \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 The doctor thereafter testified that he took sample}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797709 s}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 of the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 s blood and urine and that, if the levels were 196 milligrams of alcohol to 100 millilitres of blood and 2 30 milligrams of alcohol to 100 millilitres of urine (as was established by a Government analyst), such levels were high and anyone with those levels should not drive. The trial Magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8983790 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 thereupon stated: }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 I will now allow the specific question to be put to the witness concerning the accused}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 ; in response to }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 which the doctor testified that, so far as the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797709\charrsid6388803 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 appellant was concerned, he was quite capable of driving; and the doctor backe}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797709\charrsid6388803 d}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 this with his clinical findings rather than the level of alcohol in the blood and urine, as thresholds of tolerance vary from one individual}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797709\charrsid6388803 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 to another, whereas all the clinical tests were in}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8983790\charrsid6388803 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 favour of the appellant. \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\highlight4\langnp2057\insrsid8983790\charrsid11797709 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid6388803 In his judgment the trial Magistrate stated:}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12604126\charrsid6388803 -}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803\charrsid12604126 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6388803 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4485828 On the tests which he [the doctor]}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 conducted he was sufficiently impressed by the complete lack of any sign of drunkenness on the part of the accused that}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 he certified him as fit to drive a motor vehicle. He said he was entitled to say this in view of his experience and studies. I agreed to record it and did so at t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13647009 he request of defence counsel. [The doctor]}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 said accused was quite capable of driving. This was perfectly }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9634721 clear ... I agreed to record }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4654126 [}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9634721 his}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4654126 ]}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 opinion that accused was fit to drive since it was the wish of defence counsel that I should do so and }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 [the doctor]}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 stated that he was qual}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 ified to pass}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7099582 an opinion but it is not for [t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 he doctor]}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5900752 to decide the issue: i}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 t is for me to do so.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12604126\charrsid12604126 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 I follow}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 }{ \b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid3233942 R. v. Davies}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 (1962) 3 All E.R. 97 on the point. The ultimate issue here is for me to decide on the evidence.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6388803 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803\charrsid12604126 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12604126 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 Certainly the ultimate issue is for the trial Magistrate to decide on the whole of the evidence; but a duly qualified doctor is competent to}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 give an opinion as to the medical fitness or }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 unfitness of an }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 accused to drive. It is }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7145370 the }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6388803 weight to be attached to that opinion}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 that varies according to all the circumstances, the proper approach having been laid down in }{ \b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811\charrsid15102475 R. v. Langford}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 (Suva Cr. App. No. 162 of 1973).}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 \par As was pointed out in }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811\charrsid3298993 R. v. Sohan Ram}{\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811\charrsid9455067 }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811\charrsid412881 (Suva Cr.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7145370 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811\charrsid412881 App. No.138 of 1977)}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 : \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5138770 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 \'85}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9650894 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 the prosecution have to prove firstly, tha}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16197955 t the driver was under the influ}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 ence of drink, on which the evidence of lay witnesses may}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7145370 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 be received; an d secondly, that he was under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be incapable of properly controlling the motor vehicle, which may be established in a variety of ways, such as the manner of driving, or the circumstance of an accident, or the e vidence of a duly qualified medical practi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12201489 ti}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 oner who has examined the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138770 driver and who, as an expert witness, is in a position to express an opinion that he was under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13981811 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12604126 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12201489 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4487406 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138770 \'85}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8145284 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138770 the case of }{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138770\charrsid8145284 R. v. Davies}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5138770 is authority for the proposition that a witness who is not an expert can give his impression as to whether a person is under the influence of drink. What he is not permitted to do is giving his opinion as to whether the person was }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4487406 under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle, as that is the very matter which the court has to determine with the assistance, if it be available, of the expert opinion of a medical witness.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12201489 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4487406 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4487406 \par In his judgment the trial Magistrate stated that at the time of the medical examination the doctor did not have the benefit of the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4487406 important additional information}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1060890 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15564604 of the blood and urine alcohol contents. While it is open to a doctor, upon examining a driv er for the purpose of ascertaining whether he is fit to drive, to reserve his medical opinion until he knows the alcohol level of the driver (}{\b\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15564604\charrsid9064717 R. v. Subash Chand }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15564604\charrsid615918 Labasa Cr. App. No. 9 of 1977}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15564604 ) in the present case the doctor, on learning of the alcohol level of the appellant, maintained his medical opinion of fitness to drive and gave his reasons for so doing; and it was for the trial Magistrate, taking into account that this expert opinion was based on detailed tests and the appellant}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15564604 s response thereto, to properly evaluate that evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144 with all other relevant evidence in the case, in order to decide whether or not he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15366970 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144 s guilt.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4487406 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144 \par The only other relevant evidence was that of lay witnesses who gave as their impression that the appellant was to some extent affected by drink. This was not denied and indeed, when interviewed by the police, the appellant stated that he had been drinking . What was in issue was not whether he was affected by drink, but whether he was so drunk as to be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle. \par \par In view of the curious attitude adopted by the trial Magistrate to the medical witness, it is by no means certain that he properly evaluated his evidence on this vital aspect of the matter; and the Crown concedes that, in the particular circumstances of this case, it would not be safe for the conviction of driving under the influence of liquor to stand. \par \par The conviction is accordingly quashed and the sentence, including the order of disqualification, set aside. \par \par The appellant is not appealing against his conviction of dangerous driving and the sentence in respect thereof will stand. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16322144 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144\charrsid13189770 Chief Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16322144 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12604126 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1838536 Suva, \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3628960 8th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16322144 December 1978.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid860056\charrsid12604126 \par }}