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)}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13698417 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid4285003 (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid4285003 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid413652 AT LAUTOKA \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13698417\charrsid413652 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid413652 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 Criminal Appeal No. 15 of 1978 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid4285003 SURESH LALJI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid413652 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid413652 s/o Lalji \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid4285003 REGINAM \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6633485 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid6633485 Dr. M.S. Sahu Khan, Counsel for the Appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003 \par Mr. D.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid6633485 Williams, Counsel for the Respondent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4285003 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid4285003 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6633485 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid6633485 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid6633485 The appellant appeals against his conviction for receiving 11 x 5 gallon drums }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307768 of salad oil contrary to Section}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid6633485 347(1)(a) of the Penal Code on 20/7/76.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4285003\charrsid6633485 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051\charrsid6633485 His first ground is the very wide one that there was no evidence that the property was stolen.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10838051 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3943865 \par The salad oil was allegedly imported from overseas by P.W.1, Sarvan Singh, who, had ordered 11 x}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307768 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3943865 44 gallons and 47 x 5 gallon drums of salad oil. When he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 checked}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3943865 at the shipping agents in July 1976, 33 x 5 gallon drums were missing and at that time he also observed a hole in the fence near the spot where the drums of salad oil were being stored.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 The prosecution called no evidence of the off-loading. The delivery mark on the side of the drums was SARVAN, LAUTOKA.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3943865 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 \par The accused first appeared in the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 s Court on 4/8/76. His case was hear}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 d on 13/12/77, 16 months later.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 \par \par P.W.1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 s evidence is that he received 33 drums}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3237169 less than he had expected but he was unable to say that they had been delivered. Dr. Sahu Khan for the appellant has pointed this out and has properly submitted that one has to look elsewhere for the evidence necessary to ascertain whether any part of the consignment had been stolen or whether ther e had simply been a short delivery.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14973370 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3237169 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid229090 In that respect P.W.2., Savenaca, who had pleaded guilty to stealing 12 drums of salad oil from the wharf in July 1976 said he took them to his home. Next day the stolen drums were taken to a shop at No. 80 Naviti Street where his companion Sevuloni delivered them and then gave him $25.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3237169 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid229090 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5728617 Sevuloni (P.W.6) gave evidence but did not corroborate P.W.2 Savenaca in any way.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid229090 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5728617 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13698417 P.W}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13579430 . 5, a carrier driver, said that on 19 or 20th July 1976, at 12 mid-night he was hired by P.W.6 an d others and drove his vehicle to the wharf where he loaded some drums similar to Ex. A and took them to a house in Waiyavi Street. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182 P.W.2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182 s house is in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182\charrsid13850182 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182 Waiyavi Street. }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13579430 In cross-examination P.W.2 was asked if he knew the drums were stolen and he said he did}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13698417 not. P.W. 2,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13579430 may well have thought the question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13698417 was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13579430 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13579430 Did you}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017085 know that you were stealing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182 stolen property}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 ?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 He }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3950861 had already said in-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 chief that he stole them from the wharf and he was convicte}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13850182 d thereof on his own plea. The M}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 agistrate had evidence on which he could f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3950861 ind that the 12 drums referred t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 o in the evidence were stolen. \par \par On 20/7/76, 11 such drums were recovered from the bulk store attached to the shop at the 80, Naviti Street by the police. \par \par P.W.7, D/Corpl. Raju, who searched the bulk store and found the 11 drums of salad oil }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3950861 says there was no other}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 salad oil either in the shop or in the 2 bulk stores attached to the shop.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5728617 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 \par The evidence that the 11 drum}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3950861 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 of salad oil stolen from the wharf were taken to 80 Naviti Street and that they were recovered from ther}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4278386 e within hours by the police was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 overwhelming if the prosecution evidence were accepted by the magistrate. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3950861 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307768 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6307768 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 Ground 1 fails}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4278386 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3950861 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6307768 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6307768 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 Ground 2 is that the Magistrate erred in finding that it was the accused who received }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 the 11 drums. The drums had found their way into th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4278386 e bulk store of premises at }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 80 Naviti Street, owned by the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 s firm which is known LALJ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4278386 I}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4278386 S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 . In that connection P.W.3, a constable, stated that he was a customer at Lalji}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 s and that he de}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 alt directly with Suresh Lalji -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 the accused. He saw the accused working there in July 1977 but agreed in cross examination that the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 s mother and others also worked in the store.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3147425 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10818818 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1862647 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 The evidence of P.W.4, D. Corporal Eroni, who held the search warrant indicates that on 20/7/77 the accused was in-charge of the shop at 80, Naviti Street and the business connected there-with. It was the accused who gave him permission to search and before the search commence the accused told the P.W.4 that he had no such drums. The search of the shop was negative. The accused was then asked for the key to the bulk store and after some prevarication he produced it. The 11 drums }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941 were found in one of the bulk store. A search of the second bulk store revealed no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4201271 more}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941 such drums.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1862647 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941\charrsid14107497 P.W.7, Police Corporal}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941\charrsid2190032 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 Raju, was with the search party. The accused told him his father was in-charge of the shop, but that the accused was managing the business. The accused said they had no such drums of salad oil when the police questioned him but when the 11 d rums were located in the bulk store the accused said they belonged to the firm and said }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 we ordered them from overseas}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 . His answer suggested that he knew where they came from and in reply to the obvious question he said he did not know where the invoices were and could not say which company they had been purchased from. The accused told P.W. 7 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4201271 that the 11 drums had been in the bulk store for a long time and P.W.7 }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 then pointed out to accused that there was no accumulation of dirt on the drums and no marks left on the floor when they were moved to suggest that the 11 drums had bee}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3950861 n there for any period of time.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 \par \par Thus the accused admitted knowing the drums were there; he claimed to have the invoices for them and at no time protested that he was }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14879253 un}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 aware of their presence. As manager of the business he was aware that 11 drums which }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 had been delivered to the shop that }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15930880 very }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 morning, 20/7/76, were in the bulk store although he had of course sai}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13510710 d they had been delivered long}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 before 20/7/76. At first he had denied there were any such drums in the bulk store. His untruth to the police could be regarded as an attempt on his part, in }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15930880 the }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 first instance, to dissociate himself from any knowledge that there were drums of salad oil in the bulk store, and that, of course, could be interpreted as guilty knowledge. His }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15930880 un}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 truth that they had been there a long time }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13510710 could be similarly interpreted.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2190032 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 \par The accused did not give evidence or call witnesses. He made an unsworn statement which is not evidence. In it he said that the police did not open the other bulk store at the shop. This was in direct contradiction to the police evidence to the contrary. \par \par There was abundant evidence to show from the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 s own statements to the police that he was fully aware that the 11 drums were in the bulk store }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16257192 but that he was not prepared to admit it until actually confronted with them. He produced the key to the bulk store. The 11 drums had been delivered a matter of hours beforehand. He purported to hold}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13510710 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16257192 the invoice s for them. Such actions and statements one associates with a person who is in control or in a position of considerable responsibility. The prosecution are not expected to produce a cinematograph of the receiver actually taking possession of the stolen pr o perty. There was ample evidence on which it could be found that the accused received the property and knew it was stolen. The accused in Court purported to tender 2 invoices, which he said his mother had given to him, for the purchase that day, i.e. on 20 /7/76, of the drums in question. He did not give evidence, he merely made an unsworn statement, and no one swore to the invoices or gave evidence as to the receipt of the goods referred to therein. Their value as evide}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 nce is consequently negligible.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16257192 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16458793 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16458793 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 Gro}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 und 2 f}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 ails. \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16458793 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 Ground 3 is in four sections. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10818818 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12081199 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 Para (a) says that the Magistrate wrongly placed an onus on the defence to show that the co}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 ntents were not salad oil. The M}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 agistrate was commenting on cross-examination of }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 the }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 prosecution witness}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 es}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12081199 suggesting that the drums did not contain salad oil. }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 He s}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 t}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 ated that it was logical to expect the}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 defence to follow up that}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 cross-}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 examination by evidence showing that the contents were other than salad oil. He did not say there was an onus upon the defence to call such evidence. However, it is obv}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 ious that if the defence fail by}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 cross}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 -examination}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 to destroy the prosecution evidence that the drums contained salad oil then if it }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 is}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 the defence case that the contents were something entirely different then the defence should give evidence o}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 f the contents. Of course they a}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 re not obliged to do so but they then run the risk of the credibility of the prosecution witnesses being enhanced as a result of a cross-examination which has n}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 ot been supported by evidence from}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6379327 defence witnesses. }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745648 There is no doubt that the 11 drums were not empty. P}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 .W. 4 said one of the drums was}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745648 leaking and it was salad oil}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10964408 which was escaping; although he }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837812 does not know the difference between various kinds of vegetable oil, he obviously saw it was oil.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15745648 The accused in his unsworn statement also described the contents as oil. }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9255613 The 11 drums were traced, via the prosecution witnesses, back to the shipping agents and to a consignment of salad oil destined for P.W.1. A misdescription of the contents does not cancel out the evidence that the 11 drums and their contents were stolen from the wharf area and found their way into the premises managed}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 and controlled by the accused.}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618429 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3564810 \par Para (b) says the Magistrate placed an onus upon the accused to qualify his duties as Manager. He merely commented on the fact that the accused was not qualified his duties but he did not say that the onus lay upon the accused to prove his duties. In fact he referred, as I have }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4065021 done, to prosecution evidence showing the accused had control and gui}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117086 lty knowledge.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3564810 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4065021 \par Para (c) alleges that the Magistrate placed an onus on the accused to have shown an invoice, Ex.1, to the police prior to its be}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5205865 ing tendered at the trial. The m}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4065021 agistrate placed no such onus on the accused. He said that the accused had given unsworn }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 evidence}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5205865 ;}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 he also }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5205865 referred}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 to the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 s unsworn statement as evidence}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 -}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 in}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 -}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 chief. I draw the Magistrate}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 s attention to the fact that an unsworn statement is not evidence. His reference to the invoices which was to the effect that they were hearsay in purporting to come from }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 a person who did not tender it -}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117086 and who had not given e}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 vidence }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 -}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 namely the }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 s }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 mother. In stating that it was o}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117086 f no evidential value the learned}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 magistrate did indicate that if the police had been shown the invoice they may have adduced evidence as }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 to }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 its }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3043841 ferocity}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 . Such evidence may have been in accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3561136 s favour. }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294307 The Magistrate certa}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117086 inly did not reject the invoice}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294307 because it had not been shown to the police. \par \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 Para (d) alleges that the M}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294307 agistrate held the view that the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294307 s mother ought }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 to have given evidence. No where does such }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9117086 a }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 statement appear in the judgment. The Magistrate rightly pointed out that the invoice was hearsay and it s}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 hould be produced by the person who}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 , according to the defence, tendered it, and could give evidence of its }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3043841 ferocity}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 . That person as the Magistrate pointed out was the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 s mother. The Magistrate simply stated that he could not accept hearsay which was put into the mouth of the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 s mother, partic}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13203756 ularly when she was not called.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 \par \par Ground 3 fails. \par \par Ground 4 is in four paragraphs. \par \par Para (a) claims that the Magistrate wrongly rejected the invoices tendered by the accused. I have dealt with this. \par \par Para (b) refers back directly to ground 3 which has been dealt with. \par \par Para }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2832396 (c}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212848 ) complains that the Magistrate emphasized that the accused made an unsworn statement. It does not allege that he drew any }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 unlawful conclusions therefrom.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2642010 \par \par Para (d) says that the Magistrate regarded the accused}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2642010 s lies as pointing to his own guilt without taking into account that he could have been lying to save some other person. Dr. Sahu Khan submitted that the accused might have been lying to save his mother. In that respect it is worth noting that the accused said he was the manager of the }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 business;}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14957298 he falsely denied that there }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 were }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14957298 any drums in the bulk sto}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 re;}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14957298 he produced the keys to the bulk store, then he falsely claimed that the 11 drums had been there for a long time. His answers pointed to himself as manager and not}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 to}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14957298 his mother. There was nothing in the evidence to cause the Magistrate to look elsewhere }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 for }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14957298 someone who may have placed the drums in the bulk store and locked it with the key which the accused produced.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8533856 \par \par Ground 4 fails. \par \par Ground 5 alleges that the Magistrate erred in holding that the drums contained salad oil. This is dealt with in ground 3(a}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 ) as }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8533856 pointed out by Dr. Sahu Khan in his submissions on ground 5. \par \par Ground 7 is an echo of ground 4(d) and has been covered. \par \par Ground 8 is the general ground that the verdict is unreasonable. The evidence was ample }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4732573 and pointed to the accused. Any reasonable tribunal would be fully justified in coming to the same con clusion as learned magistrate. I was }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 referred}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4732573 to authorities saying that where judgement contains a number of minor defects anyone of which }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7015351 could be overlooked when standing alone, their accumulation may make it un}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 s}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7015351 afe}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 to let the verdict stand. The answer to that is there was not an accumulation of defects}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4732573 . In fact none of the alleged defects}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 have been substantiated and ground 8 fails accordingly. \par \par Gr}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 ound 6 refers to an alteration }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 o}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 f}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 the charge which ha}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 d}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 been made on 13/12/77 the day of the hearing. The cha rge is originally drafted allegedly that the 11 drums were }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 the property of H.M}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13203756 .}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 Customs Department}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 . The words in inverted commas are now deleted and the particulars of the charge now allege that the accused }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 did receive 11 x 5 gallon drums of salad oil valued at $165.00 knowing the same to have been stolen}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10053354 without any reference to ownership. \par \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 Dr. Sahu Khan }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 referred}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 me to S.}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13203756 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 204(1) C.P.C which states that if a charge is defective in substance or in form the court may alter it or }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13203756 substitute or }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 add another charge provided the accused is allowed to plead to the altered charge. The Fiji Court of Appeal had held in }{ \b\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855\charrsid13203756 Hari Pratap v. R.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 14 F.L.R. 93 that following such amendment a failure to take the accused}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4129855 s plea }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2837062 to the amended charge was fatal to the entire proceedings which were reduced to }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 a }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2837062 nullity. Four alternatives counts were added}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 in the charge in H.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 Prata}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 p}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 s case and the accused}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 s plea}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 taken to them. He had pleaded}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 N}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 ot Guilty to the four original charges. He was convi}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 cted on the four original charges}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 to which he had pleaded }{\fs24\ul\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1277834 Not Guil}{ \fs24\ul\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670\charrsid1277834 ty}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12862670 . The Fiji Court of Appeal stated that the evidence supported the convictions but the trial was a nullity because the accused had not pleaded once again to the four original counts when }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 the new counts had been added. They held that the word }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 charge}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16649125 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 meant }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 the indictment}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 containing all counts. }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14353259 The Privy Council held that s. 204 C.P.C. meant }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14353259 count}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14353259 when it referred to alteration of a charge and therefore the four original counts had not been a}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 ltered.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4065021 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 \par The part of the head note of the Fiji Court of Appeal}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 s judgeme}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 nt on which this appellant relie}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 s as not having been over-ruled by the Privy Council says at p.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1277834 }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 94. \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8915442 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 3. As no plea was taken at the time of the amendment to the original counts the appellant was not properly before the Court and the proceedings were null and void.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6126626 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8915442 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 The Privy Council }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1277834 did not have to consider this la}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 tter part of the Fiji Court of Appeal}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 s decision. However, that part of the decision quoted above has now been the subject of a specific decision by the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division, in }{\b\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442\charrsid1277834 R.}{ \b\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466\charrsid1277834 v}{\b\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442\charrsid1277834 . Williams}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 1977 1 A.E.R. 874. It follows eleven years after the Fiji Court of Appeal}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8915442 s decision. }{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6978991 In }{\b\i\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6978991\charrsid1277834 R. v. Williams}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6978991 it was held that where an accused intended to plead Not Guilty the failure to take his plea did not vitiate his trial provided a plea of not guilty had been vicariously offered or tacitly conveyed or a formal arraignment had been impliedly waived by the accused. In William}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6978991 s case the trial proceeded as if he had pleaded Not Guilty and he did not demur. The Court of Appeal in holding that the trial was valid }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 stated at p. 879 that such an approach was consonant with the Law of England as well as with good sense for no detriment can enure to a defendant in implying a plea of not guilty from his conduct. The appeal against conviction was dismissed. \par \par I am inclined to the view that if the judgment in Williams}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1277834 case had}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 been delivered prior to the 1966 the decision of the Fiji Court o}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1277834 f Appeal that failure to take a}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 plea inevitably and invariably vitiates the proceedings would have been worded somewhat differently. \par \par In the instant case the accused had pleaded Not Guilty to receiving 11 stolen drums of salad oil. Aft er the charge had been amended the trial continued on the basis of a plea of Not Guilty. The accused was represented by Dr. Sahu Khan in the court below as well as the Appeal. To use the words of Shaw L.}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3043841 }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 J. in William}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10818818 '}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 s case at p.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3043841 878 i,}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12285466 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 There was a mutu al assumption between the Crown and the appellant that the prosecution were put to proof of their accusation so that a trial of the issues was necessary.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6126626 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12285466 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12285466 The judgement at p. 879 f/g quoted with approval the following passage:- \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8915442 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10969507 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 and even though accused has not pleaded, waiver will be implied where he and his counsel were present, were aware of the charge, and proceeded to trial as if he had duly arraigned without objecting or in any manner calling to the att}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377 ention of the C}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 ourt the fact that he had not been arraigned.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 "}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6126626 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10969507 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 In my view it follows that the proceeding were no}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3043841 t a nullity and ground 6 fails.}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 \par \par The appeal}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 is }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10969507 accordingly}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9003377 {\b\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377\charrsid6126626 (Sgd.) Williams \par }{\b\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377\charrsid6321334 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10969507 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 LAUTO}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6126626 KA,}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 26th May, 1978. \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9003377 \par }{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 Messrs Sahu Khan & Sahu Khan, Counsel for the Appellant \par Director of Public Prosecutions for the Respondent. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1862647 {\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658582 Date of Hearing: 28th April, 1978}{ \fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13961941\charrsid6126626 \par }}