{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};} {\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255; \red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0; \red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tblind0\tblindtype3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 1;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid228568\rsid347883\rsid1340297\rsid2117736\rsid3041902\rsid3813738\rsid3815001\rsid4614448\rsid5308566\rsid5321807\rsid6161655\rsid7093853\rsid7472975 \rsid7687810\rsid8130348\rsid8270719\rsid8396754\rsid9058602\rsid9247984\rsid9793472\rsid10507908\rsid10515463\rsid10950305\rsid11620568\rsid11736453\rsid12593621\rsid13984376\rsid14509381\rsid15028220\rsid15155148\rsid15294243\rsid15825238\rsid16012157 \rsid16084483}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6850;}{\info{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\author Teniau_d}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy18\hr15\min32}{\revtim\yr2009\mo2\dy4\hr11\min32}{\version14}{\edmins150}{\nofpages3} {\nofwords1115}{\nofchars6356}{\*\company USP, Emalus Campus}{\nofcharsws7457}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl62\margr441\margt82\margb76\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow3 \jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot9793472 \fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\sectdefaultcl\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\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687810 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294243\charrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid347883 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid8130348 AT LAUTOKA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687810\charrsid8130348 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883\charrsid8130348 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687810\charrsid8130348 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid347883 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883\charrsid8130348 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7687810 Criminal Appeal }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 No. 18 of 1978 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687810 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 BETWEEN}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687810 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 INOSA RATULEVU \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687810 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 AND}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687810 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 REGINA}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 M}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7687810 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 Mr. D. Williams, Counsel for the Respondent \par Appellant in Person. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 JUDGMENT}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9247984 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 The appellant pleaded guilty to perjury on 22/3/78 and received 18 months}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 He appealed against the sentence and I formed the opinion that the facts would not support the charge. \par \par For convenience I set out the charge and particulars: \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 Statement of Offence \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754\charrsid8396754 Perjury}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754 : Contrary to Section 109(1) of the P.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 C., Cap. 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3815001 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3815001 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 Particulars of Offence}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3815001 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 INOSA RATULEVU}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid9247984 on 28th day of April}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 1976 at Lautoka Magistrate}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 s Court, having been lawfully sworn as a witness in judicial proceedings namely Criminal Case 180/76 }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984\charrsid8396754 R v. Marika Yabaki and Others}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 charged with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754 murder contrary to section 228}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 (1) P.C. did wilfully make a statement which he knew to be false namely that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8396754 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9247984 - \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3815001 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8396754 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807 I deny that I said in my statement that I ran towards them to see what was actually happening and that I stood and watched what was going on.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5321807 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807\charrsid15028220 In the preliminary inquiry the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14509381 prosecution alleged that Marika}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807\charrsid15028220 Yabaki and others kicked the deceased to death. \par \par The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7093853\charrsid15028220 police obtained statements from alleged eye witnesses including the appellant. His statement, Ex.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3041902 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7093853\charrsid15028220 A, shows that he was waiting for transport shortly af}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14509381 ter 12 midnight when he saw a f}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7093853\charrsid15028220 ight near Mosese}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7093853\charrsid15028220 s house;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3041902 he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 went to within 12 of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3041902 the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10507908 disturbance}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3041902 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 that he saw Semisi strike the deceased who slipped and fell whereupon other}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10507908 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 kicked him as he lay on the ground; that 13 men}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10507908 repeatedly kicked the deceased; that he could identify them although he only knew the names of some; that he was afraid to assist the deceased because he was greatly outnumbered}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 ; that he saw the deceased being ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10507908 rried to the verandah of a near}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 by house. \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8270719 At}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 the preliminary enquiry he denied informing the police that he had approached the scene and witnessed the incident from nearby. A s indicated (supra) tha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3041902 t denial was the foundation of the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 perjury charge. \par \par When}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8270719 charged}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 before the magistrate for perjury he said, \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15028220 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 It is true I did say these words to the Inspector when he interviewed me but what I told the Inspector was false. In Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8270719 I told the magistrate that I had}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15155148 not said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 these words.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15155148 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 I plead guilty.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3041902 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15028220 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15028220 The appellant was then convicted and sentenced. \par \par It is clear that the accused lied to the magistrate conducting the preliminary inquiry when he denied informing the police that he had seen the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 incident. Was that lie material to the proceedings? I am inclined to the view that it was not. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid11620568 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 I informed learn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 ed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 Senior Crown Counsel that I proposed to review the perjury proceedings and indicated my view}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 generally. During the review Crown Counsel stated that he had not found any assistance from decided cases. My own researches brought forth little more. Accordingly, I am, to a great extent relying upon my own interpretation of whether the accused}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883\charrsid2117736 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 s untruth was material to the preliminary inquiry. One must remember that the accused}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883\charrsid2117736 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 s evidence that h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 e had not told the police he had}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 seen }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 hat happened is not the same as }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 saying }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid2117736 that he had not in fact seen what happened.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448\charrsid11620568 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 \par The magistrate was recording what the witnesses said to him rather than what they had said to the police but one would expect little difference in the two versions. The accused did not say to the magistrate, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 I saw nothing}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 , his untruth was }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 I did not tell the police that I saw what happened.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4614448 Those words could not help the magistrate to decide whether anyone had attacked the deceased or not. Therefore I would regard them as immaterial and although untruthful }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 they do}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 not constitute perjury. A statement to the police is not evidence and in denying that he made it the appe}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 llant was not contradicting }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 evidence he had given. He was not lying about what happened at the scene, which of course could be perjury. He was not giving a different version of the incident from that which he had given the police. \par \par Had he said }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 A did not kicked B on the head}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 that would be material evidence of A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 s innocence and he would be contradicting his pol ice statement pointing to A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 s guilt. However, that in itself would still be no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 proof that his statement in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 court was untrue, and if, when charged with perjury, the appellant then said, as he did in this case, what I told the police was untrue that would be no evidence of perjury. Lies told to the police }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 do not constitute perjury, nor d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 o lies told to the court unless they are material.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5321807 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 \par In }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483\charrsid10950305 Russell on Crime}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 , 12th Edn., Vol.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 I, at p. 295 the learned}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 author says:- \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid16084483 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10515463 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 At common law it was held that the essence of perjury is its tendency to mislead in proceedings relative to a matter judicially before the court. Consequently }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 false evidence must be relevant to a question a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 lready raised in the proceedings;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 for if it is wholly foreign to the purpose }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 or altogether immaterial and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 neither in any way pertinent to the matter i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2117736 n question, \'85\'85 \'85\'85\'85\'85\'85\'85 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 nor likely to induce the jury to give readier credit to the substantial part of the eviden}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 ce it cannot amount to perjury.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16084483 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10515463 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6161655 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 The fact }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3813738 that the appellant made a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 statement to the police was not relevant to the preliminary inquiry. It is what the accused says in Court }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 that is material not what he has}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 said to the police. Evidence directed towards the credibility of a witness}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 may be material. Therefore if a witness}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 untruthfully impeaches his own or another witness}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 s credibility he may be guilty of perjury, if the evidence thereby impeached was material to the issue. If it was n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3813738 ot material to the issue then hi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 s credibility is immaterial. In the instant case the appellant untruthfully denied making a certain statement to the police; that denial was untruthful thereby reflecting against }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3813738 the }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 appellants own cre}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 dibility, but the untruth did not condemn or support the allegation of murder. Therefore his untruthfulness}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 was not material inasmuch as his evidence}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1340297 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3813738 from any point of view.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16012157 If a prosecution witness, contrary to his police statement, favours the accused it is wise to cross-examine him on his previous inconsistent statement so as to show that as a potential defence witness he is worthless. \par \par Had the appellant said in evidence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16012157 I did go to the scene and I saw what happened and I can say that no one kicked the deceased}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16012157 that statement would be material and if it could be shown }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 that he must have seen the deceased being kicked then }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15155148 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 his coupled with his police statement would be evidence of perjury. However, to say }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 I did not tell the police that A kicked the deceased}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 , is not evidence that the deceased was or was not kicked by A. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11736453 T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 hat simple denial merely raises an issue as to whether the appellant did make a statement to the police. But the question whether he did make such }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5308566 a }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 statement could not tilt the scales on}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11736453 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 way or the other in showing that the deceased was kicked and if so who kicked him. Had the prosecutor extracted from the appella nt positive statements of what he had in fact seen, instead of what he had told the police he had seen, those positive statements may have been material and may have been the basis for a charge of perjury. \par \par The accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid347883 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 s plea of guilty was obviously tender ed in error and with respect I would say that it was erroneously accepted by the magistrate. The conviction is quashed and the sentence }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5308566 is }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15155148 set aside.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 \par \par The accused is serving a term of imprisonment for another crime and has not being adversely affected. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15155148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975\charrsid15155148 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7472975 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15155148 (S}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975\charrsid7472975 gd.) J.T. Williams \par JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6161655 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15155148 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7472975 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975\charrsid7472975 LAUTOKA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15294243 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7472975\charrsid7472975 5th May, 1978.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15294243\charrsid15294243 \par }}