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\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1318563 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid3762441 JI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid3762441 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2170743 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1318563 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid946411 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid946411 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid946411 Labasa Criminal Appeal No. 21 of 1978
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7810892 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4610858 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7810892 BHAJAN SINGH}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2962577  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid2962577 s/o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid2962577  JORA SINGH
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid7810892 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7810892 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid8063246 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid7810892 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid3762441 REGI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid3762441 NAM
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3762441 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid2170743 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4610858 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 This is an appeal against t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 he conviction}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 
 of the appellant on the 10th July 1978 at}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858  Labasa Magistrates Court of driving a motor vehicle under the influence o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 
f drink contrary to section 39(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 ) of the Traffic Ordinance and dangerous driving }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 contrary to}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441  sect}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 ion 38(1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 ) of the Traffic Ordinance.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 The facts on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 which}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441  the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 trial Magistrate relied were }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441\charrsid4610858 tha}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 t at }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 11.25 p.m.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3762441 
 on the 14th March 1978 the appellant was driving his car along Gibson Str}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12069254 eet when he turned right into Na}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 
sekula Road and drove in an erratic manner on the wrong side of Nasekula Road in the p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 ath of a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 n }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 
coming car containing two police officers ( P.W.1 and P.W.2). The oncoming car pulled as far over to the nearside as possible and stopped. The appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 s car nearly collided with it but swerved to the left and continued on slowly in a jerky ma
nner. One of the police officers gave chase on foot and saw that the appellant was almost leaning on the steering wheel. The police officer managed to open the door of the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 
's car and switch off the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 ig}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 ni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 tion. He pulled the arm of the appellant, who
 was leaning on the steering wheel, in order to remove from him from th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 e car. The appellant got out of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 
 the car and promptly fell on the road. One of the police officers (with the help of a patrolling constable P.C. 1338 who was not called as a witness) had to pick him up and help him to the police officer}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8014459 s car. He was driven to the police station where it took two police }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611 
officers to assist him into the station. He smelled strongly of drink, his speech was slurred and he could not stand, or walk, without su
pport. On being asked if he wished to be examined by a doctor he mumbled incoherently and then said he was a doctor himself and refused to be examined. In view of his drunken condition he was detained overnight and on the following morning was charged wit
h the driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink which he denied. He maintained his denial at his trial, claiming that on the evening in question he had only shared three bottles of beer with a friend called Satish who was not called as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611 witness.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611 
\par The first ground of appeal is that the trial Magistrate erred in accepting the evidence of the two police officers, in that his acceptance of their testimony was based solely on demeanour, he did not direct hi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11619671 s mind to the inconsistencies in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611  the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931 ir}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611  }
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931 testimony, did not advert to the fact that as they had consumed liquor}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931 
that night it affected the reliance that could be placed on their testimony, and that the evidence of one of the police officers conflicted with a question put to the appellant the following morning when he was briefly interrogated under caution.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2690611 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931 
\par In his judgment, after summarising the whole of the evidence, the trial Magistrate:-
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931\charrsid3762441 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6761723 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1317931 
I have had the benefit of observing all the witnesses and the accused and I accept the evidence of the pro
secution and reject the evidence of the accused. This is after considering the numerous inconsistencies between P.W.1 and P.W.2 which the defence had drawn to my attention in the closing submission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 \'85
I do not find their inconsistencies to be fatal to credibility or reliability}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 .
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6761723 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 
\par The trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 s reference to having had the benefit of observing all the witnesses in th
e case is a statement of fact, and in no way suggests that he relied on the demeanour of the witnesses without testing same against their evidence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 (}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956\charrsid1122956 Yuill}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723\charrsid1122956  v. Yui}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528689 l}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723\charrsid1122956 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 (1945}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 ) 1 All E.R}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723  183; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 R. v. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723\charrsid1122956 
Ambika Prasad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723  Suva Cr. App. No.31 of 1978). Indeed it is quite clear from the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 s judgment that he did not simply rely on demeanour.
\par 
\par As to the inconsistencies in the testimony of the two police officers it is obvious from the extract above quoted that the trial Magistrate did consider same before convicting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 
 the appellant. In any event, having perused the record, I am satisfied that the 
so-called inconsistencies are more apparent than real, and that they throw no doubt on the reliability of the testimony of the two police officers nor on the propriety of the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 s conviction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6761723 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1122956 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 As to the fact that the two police officers had themselv
es consumed liquor that night, the trial Magistrate was well aware of this took it into account before making his finding}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 , stating:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4154061  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 I note carefully the amount of liquor and grog they had consumed that night.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956\charrsid15467008 On the hearing of the appeal it was suggested by cou}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 nsel for the appellant that as the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956\charrsid15467008  police officers }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14904189\charrsid15467008 
failed to reveal in examination-in-chief that they had consumed liquor it dimi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 ni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14904189\charrsid15467008 shed the probative value of their evidence}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 , but this is unworthy of an experienced counsel who is well aware that in 
examination-in-chief witnesses answer the questions they are asked and do not volunteer information. It was under cross-examination that the police officers were asked if they had taken liquor that night, and they frankly admitted to having done so and ga
ve full details.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1122956 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 
\par On the morning after the incident a police constable on questioning the appellant under caution asked him: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 
You have been examined by the Deputy Police Commander Northern and found not capable of driving. What you have to say to that?}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008  to 
which the appellant replied: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 I do not know that and I was not taken to hospital for examination.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008  According to the evidence of the Deputy Police Commander (P.W.2) he did not examine the appellant}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008  in the sense of carrying out tests, and in his evidence the appellant confirmed that no tests were cond}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223 ucted. Consequently there is no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008  real conflict of evidence, and had the police constable used the word }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 observed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008  instead of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 examined}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 
 the point would not have arisen. The police constable was not asked about this by counsel who represented the appellant at the trial, and on the facts of the case I do not consider it to be material. The first ground of appeal accordingly fails.
\par 
\par The second ground of appeal is that the trial Magistrate wrongly permitted one of the police officers to state his opinion concerning the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 s capability to drive a motor vehicle and did not exclude this inadmissible evidence from his mind.
\par 
\par This arises from the fact that at the end of his examination-in-chief one }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 of the police officers (P.W.1) stated: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 Both I and P.W.2 thought the accused was incapable of driving. He was not in his normal senses.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850  Because a witness says something in his testimony which, under the rules of evidence, is not admissible, it does not follow that the tria
l Magistrate wrongly permitted him to do so. A Magistrate does not know in advance what a witness is going}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2379223  to say, and unless a question}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 
 is framed in such a way as to indicate that counsel is seeking to elicit inadmissible evidence it is not always possibl
e to prevent a witness from stating his opinion or saying something that is hearsay. So long as it is clear that the Magistrate is aware of the inadmissible nature of what has been said and has excluded it from his mind no prejudice arises, and that }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8527273 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 s the case here. The trial Magistrate stated in his judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid658671 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 
I fully appreciate neither P.W.1 or P.W.2 are expert witnesses}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid658671  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 and cannot say whether the accused was incapable of driving.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1122956 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15467008 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 He also stated that he had considered, inter alia, the judgment in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850\charrsid658671 R. v. Sohan Ram}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 (Suva Cr. App. No. 138 of 1977) from which he could have been in no doubt as to the proper approach. This ground of appeal accordingly fails.

\par 
\par The third ground of appeal is that the quantity and quality of the evidence was not such as to establish the offence of driving under the influence of drink beyond reasonable doubt, and that some element of doubt must have remained in the trial Magistrate
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850 s mind as he would have liked to have had additional evidence.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850\charrsid9896700 As to the first limb, having considered the evidence on which the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15335730\charrsid9896700 relied I am in no doubt that it was sufficient to ground a conviction for driving under the influence of drink. As to the second limb, the trial Magistrate }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 stated in his judgment:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11470850\charrsid9896700 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13205276 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 Summing up I would com
ment I would like to have seen various tests carried out on the accused, but as he was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 falling down drunk}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700  this was not practicable. In addition, he refused to be examined.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13205276 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 
I would have preferred to have seen both Satish and P.C.1338 called as witnesses to give evidence, for the defence and prosecution }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3630037\charrsid9896700 
respectively, although I am happy to reach a verdict without them.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid658671 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid658671 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid658671 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3630037\charrsid9896700 I find the prosecution }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 has proved its case beyond }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13321477\charrsid9896700 all }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid9896700 reasonable doubt on both counts, the onus being upon them, and I convict the accused as charged.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881 
\par From this it is quite clear that no doubt remained in the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881 s mind and that there is no substance in this ground of appeal.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid658671 The fourth and f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881 i
fth grounds of appeal are that the trial Magistrate wrongly held that because the appellant was drunk he was incapable of having proper control of the motor vehicle and that he made no finding that the appellant was under the influence of drink to such an
 extent as to be incapable of having proper control of a motor vehicle.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid10571751 Having perused the trial Magistrates judgment I am satisfied that he did not fall into the error of equating }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid10571751 being under the influence of drink}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid10571751  with }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881\charrsid10571751 being under the influence of drink to such an extent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1917617\charrsid10571751 
 as to be incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1917617\charrsid10571751 . The trial Magistrate considered, inter alia, the judgment in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1917617\charrsid15012246 R. v. Sellars}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1917617\charrsid10571751  (Suva Cr. App. No. 73 of 1973) in which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10571751 
 the distinction is clearly drawn; and, in my view, he adopted the correct approach.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
 On the hearing of the appeal counsel for the appellant conceded that if the facts establish that a driver is under the influence of drink to such an extent as to be utterly incapable of controlling himself it follows, as a matter o
f course, that he is incapable of properly controlling a motor vehicle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15012246  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
- and that is the case here. After setting out the facts the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 s finding of incapability was in the following terms: }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 Having heard [P.W.1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 s and P.W.2}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 s] evidence as to the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
s behaviour and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15012246 his }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 driving, I am left in no doubt whatsoever he was totally incapable of driving through drinking too much liquor}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 ; and in the circumstances of this case was adequate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9659881 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824\charrsid9896700 The sixth ground of appeal is that the trial Magistrate wrongly rejected the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824\charrsid9896700 s evidence, purely on the ground that he was not impressed with his demeanour
, or because he accepted the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, or because there was an absence of motive on the part of the two police officers to tell lies.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
\par 
\par I have already rejected the submission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3085939  that the trial Magistrate relied solely on demeanour.
 If as in this case a trial Magistrate, after considering the whole of the evidence, states that he accepts the evidence of the prosecution and rejects the evidence of the accused, it does not mean that he rejects the evidence of the accused }{
\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3085939\charrsid9896700 because }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3085939 he acc
epts the evidence of the prosecution. It means exactly what it says and it is a perfectly proper and a normal way for a Court to express itself. The trial Magistrate did comment that he could find no motive for the two police officers committing blatant p
erjury to obtain a wrongful conviction against the accused, but this does not mean, as counsel for the appellant maintains, that the trial Magistrate was placing an onus on the defence to prove a motive for the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383  prosecution witnesses to lie. A trial Magistrate, in considering credibility and whether witnesses have any reason to lie, is entitled to take into account such matters as a witness}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383  station in life and whether or }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9896700 not he is a disinterested party;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383  and in this case the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383 s comment was evo
ked by an apparent suggestion from the defence that a previous incident furnished a motive for the police officers to lie.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216824 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383 
\par The seventh ground of appeal is that the trial Magistrate erred in not taking into account that the appellant gave a consistent and reasonable account of himself to the police }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11039268 and to the court;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383  but as it is clear from the trial Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383 
s judgment that he gave full consideration to the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5717256 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383 s version of events this cannot be sustained.
\par 
\par The final ground of appeal is that there was insufficient evidence on which to convict of dangerous driving.
\par 
\par The evidence established that when}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387  the appellant turned into Nasekula Road he was so negligent as to drive on the wrong side of the road, in the face of an on-coming car, thereby creating 
a dangerous situation; and this is dangerous driving (}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387\charrsid15012246 R. v. Rajendra Singh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387  Suva Cr.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15012246  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387 App. No. 74 of 1978 at p.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15012246  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387 2).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9325383 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387 
\par The appeal against conviction is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817387 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387\charrsid14817387 Chief Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9659881 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387 
\par Suva,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4610858 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14817387 24th November 1978.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4610858\charrsid4610858 
\par }}