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Word 10.0.6846;}{\info{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\author maltungtung_l}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy10\hr15\min4}{\revtim\yr2008\mo12\dy10\hr15\min6}{\version3} {\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1708}{\nofchars9739}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws11425}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl {\xmlns1 urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags}}\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl206\margr2050\margt0\margb302\gutter0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace0\dgvspace0\dghorigin0\dgvorigin0\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot13050089 \donotshowmarkup1\fet0{\*\wgrffmtfilter 013f}\sectd \linex0\headery360\footery360\endnhere\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\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9896662 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 \par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9896662 \par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 AT LAUTOKA}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9896662 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9896662\charrsid4204516 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid11089256 Appellant Jurisdiction \par Civil Appeal No. 21 of 1979}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9896662 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089256 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089256 BETWEEN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089256\charrsid11089256 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 FAIYAZ ALI }{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089256 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid11089256 s/o Wahid Ali \par (Appellant) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11089256\charrsid11089256 AND}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid11089256 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid4204516 JAINUL NISHA}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16199124 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid16199124 d/o Abbas Ali \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid11089256 (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516\charrsid11089256 Respondent)}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13463135\charrsid11089256 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13050089 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13050089 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516 Mr. Sahu Khan for the Appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516\charrsid13050089 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4204516 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516\charrsid9896662 JUDGEMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13050089 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516 \par This is an appeal against an order made by the Magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516 s Court Lautoka under the Maintenance and Affiliation Act, 1971 declaring the appellant to be the father of a child born to the respondent on {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1978}} {\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 26}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 1}}}26/1/78{\*\xmlclose}, and ordering him to pay maintenance in the sum of $6 per week. \par \par The appellant appe ared by counsel in this court but the respondent was in person. After hearing counsel for the appellant it was clear that there were substantial grounds for the appeal which the respondent was quite unable to counter effectively on her own. I was reluctan t }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 to decide the case without giving her every opportunity of being properly represented and having her side fully }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 argued}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 . I allowed an adjournment for a week for her to obtain the services of counsel. She agreed that she would engage counsel but neither she nor anyone representing her appeared at the adjourned date, nor after a further adjournment was granted. I am therefore obliged to give judgment without hearing further argument.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4204516 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 \par The respondent was taken by her mother to stay and work at the house of the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 s mother in 1973. According to her she shared a bedroom at all material times with the appellant and his sister. She said there were 3 beds in the room. She said that she and the appellant first }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 became}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 friendly in 1975, but that she first sexual intercourse with him in 1977. She made several statements, some }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10816322 of them rather difficult to understand or fit together. She said first that the first time she had intercourse with him was in 1977, {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0 {\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 5}}}the 10}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13777564 th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10816322 May 1977{\*\xmlclose} the day she got pregnant. Then she said she had intercourse with him before that in January}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7874218 1977. Next she said }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7874218 Between January 1977 and May 1977 we had sexual intercourse every day, every }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 night.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 Apparently}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7874218 sexual intercourse always took }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 place}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7874218 in the bedroom, the bedroom she says she shared with the appellant and his sister. She never had intercourse with any other man. The significance of the date {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1977}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0 {\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 10}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 5}}}the 10}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5575769 th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7874218 May 1977{\*\xmlclose} was that she }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 says it}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15341661 was that day that she missed her period and first discovered sh e was expecting a child, though how she could pinpoint this as the 10}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5575769 th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15341661 May she didn}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15341661 t explain. She never went to a doctor. She still apparently continued having intercourse with the appellant for about two weeks after she became pregnant, although she said he used to come and force her when she was asleep at 2 o}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15341661 clock in the morning. She said she used to refuse but the appellant forced her. Those statements must be suspect. If they were sharing a bedroom with the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8217886 s sister, with the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8217886 s mother somewhere in the same house, how could the appellant force her without the sister and mother becoming aware of what was happening. If she was being forced why did she not cry out, or at least complain the next day?}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1119626 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 \par According to her she didn}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 t tell the appellant till 3 months later that she was pregnant, and apparentl y she certainly told no one else, not the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 s sister who shared her bedroom, not the appellant}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 s mother in whose house she lived and under whose protection she must have lived, not even her own mother whom she used to visit every week. In fact the magistrate made a specific finding that, difficult though it was to believe, no one knew she was pregnant until the day she went to the hospital and gave birth to the child. \par \par It is not disputed that the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 never }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 at any time admitted the child to be his. Apparently according to her even when told she was pregnant he said nothing and did nothing. Though when the respondent was being cross-examined and pressed on this aspect she first said that the appellant tol}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8682019 d her to have an abortion, but t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 hen said that what he said was that she shouldn}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 t visit the hospital or tell anyone but should mix strong black tea and drink it.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7743096 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6258541 It is rather remarkable that if the appellant was the father of her child in the circumstances she described, she never let anyone else know of this fact nor even told them that she was pregnant until she produced the baby.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7548558 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6258541 \par So even on the respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6258541 s own story the court must have some reservations about accepting it without clear co}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 rroboration, and of course the Maintenance and A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6258541 ffiliation Act}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 1971 requires corroboration.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6258541 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 \par The magistrate quite rightly saw the need for corroboration and further accepted that the question of corroboration wouldn}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 t arise until he had first found that the respondent herself was a witness of truth. (What perh aps is surprising is that after the respondent had given her evidence the magistrate found there was a case to answer because at that stage there was certainly no corroboration of her evidence.) The magistrate then said that he found himself totally satis fied that the respondent was such a witness of truth, a finding about which I must have serious reservations in view of what I have said above. He went on }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 Although it is true that there were some inconsistencies in her evidence she was not }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 represented by c ounsel and was clearly nervous and frightened. At the same time she did not deviate from the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11496729 essential basis of her case at all}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 .}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 If the magistrate means that she has always said that the appellant was the father of the }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 child, }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11496729 that may be correct }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 but the record of her evidence seems to show a certain amount of fluctuation according to the questions being asked.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5775336 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 \par Counsel for the appellant has drawn particular attention to the next paragraph of the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 s judgment. \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5709324 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 Counsel argues that her account of the attempt at an arranged marriage with Jamal is different from that of her mother}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 s, but I did not find the two accounts inconsistent, merely different and this is not surprising since the roles }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 played}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 by the mother and daughter in the arrangement were obviously different themselves.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5709324 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 \par It is difficult to understand how the two accounts can be different without being inconsistent. What the respondent said was this }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 \endash }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 I know someone called Jamal. He asked my mother if I was interested in getting married. My mother asked me and I refused.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 The mother}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 s version was as follows-}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 I did not say to complainant that Jamal had propo}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10621109 sed. I did not discuss it with C}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066 omplainant.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5709324 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066\charrsid16266152 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066\charrsid12465132 Surely the two versions cannot be reconciled, they are not only different, but are mutually incompatible.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12060066\charrsid16266152 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325\charrsid10245067 One of the key points of the respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325\charrsid10245067 s case was that the appellant slept in the same bedroom as she did and the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325\charrsid10245067 s sister. The appellant of course denied ever sharing a bedroom with the respondent. He said that she shared a bedroom with his two sisters whilst he slept in the lounge.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 He denied going into the bedroom at all since it was against }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 our custom}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 . It was not in dispute that at all material times the respondent shared a bedroom with the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 s sister Sofia, so Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 s evidence was very relevant. She confirmed the appellant }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 s evidence that until the other sister left in 1977 the three girls slept in the }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 same bedroom whilst the appellant slept in the lounge on the balcony next to the lounge. She said that his mother forbade him to sleep at night in the bedroom or go into the bedroom}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7891340 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 -}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7891340 }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 which presumably is what the appellant meant by }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 our custom}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 . But she did admit under cross-examination by the court that sometimes during the day he used to lie on one of the beds. Clearly Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16266152 s evidence was most important, since }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7891340 if the respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7891340 s evidence was to be believed at all, this sexual intercourse every day and every night, of being forced upon the respondent at 2 o}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7891340 clock in the morning could hardly have taken place without {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname City}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Sofia{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} being aware of it \endash or at least aware that something was going on. So how did the magistrate treat her evidence? The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 only point he picked on was the fact that {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname City}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1 {\factoidname place}}Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10245067 {\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} said that the appellant sometimes came to the bedroom during the day time whereas the appellant said that he never went into the bedroom because it was against }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14568893 our custom}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 . The rest of Sofia}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 s evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10361850 , which contradicted in quiet material particulars the respondent}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10361850 s own story was not dealt with. The magistrate found that Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10361850 s evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 proved that the appel}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10361850 lant had lied and that}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 this lie was the corroboration }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5983290 necessarily}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 to support the respondent}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 s evidence, relying on the authority of }{\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333\charrsid10759962 Corfield v Hodsson}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4537333 (1966) 2AER 205. But of course in that case, which depended on its particular facts, }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 the lie was proved out of the father}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 s own mouth in the witness box and was said to show a guilty mind. In this case the lie, if it be such, can only be proved by reference to Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 s evidence as a whole must be considered as being far more unfavourable to the }{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1329046 respondent than to that of the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 apparent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1329046 . And I think that the apparent}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 lie is not quite so obvious and clear out as the magistrate suggests. Again it arose out of cross-examination of the respondent by the court and the record shows that what the respondent said was } {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13177816 I never shared the bedroom with her at all. I never went into the bedroom at all. It is against our custom.}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1329046 The emphasis seem}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s to be on sharing the bed}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1329046 -}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 room, in the sense of all sleeping in the same room and in that respect the respondent}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s evidence was supported by that of {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname City}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Sofia{\*\xmlclose} {\*\xmlclose}. It also seemed to be agreed between them that he was not supposed to go into the ro om, certainly when the girls were there. It is not clear in what context, and in answer to what question the appellant said he never went into the bedroom at all. He does not appear to have been channenged or asked to expand on his statement, whereas Sofia}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s admissions came in the course of fairly lengthy cross-examination by the court. Certainly if Sofia}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s evidence is to be believed the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s visits to the bedroom during th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1329046 e day were quite innocent and so it would be contrary to commonsense to say that this innocent visits}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 , even if denied by the appellant, afford corroboration of the respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 s allegation of sexual intercourse. Why should denial of innocent visits be evidence of a guilty mind?}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6257325 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613\charrsid9793736 I have been }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1066383\charrsid9793736 referred by counsel for the appellant to the case of }{ \i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1066383\charrsid12264683 R}{\i\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689453\charrsid12264683 v Chapman}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2689453\charrsid9793736 (1973) 2AER 624, which }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9793736\charrsid9793736 although a criminal case is an authority on when and in what circumstances lies may amount to corroboration, not only}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865 in c}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9793736\charrsid9793736 riminal cases}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865 but also in cases of paternity s uch as the instant case.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2376613 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865 \par I think it is sufficient to say that in this case, upon a careful consideration of the evidence of the respondent and its inconsistencies, its conflicts with other evidence, and its improbabilities it cannot be accepted as proof t hat the appellant was the father of the child without quite material corroboration even apart from the statutory requirement of corroboration. At the end of the respondent}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10558997 '}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865 s case there was no such corroboration and the case should have been dismissed at that stage. \par \par Even after hearing the appellant and his witnesses all that emerged that might amount to corroboration was an apparent conflict between the appellant and his sister on one point, which even if accepted is not by any means a clear indication of a guilty mind. In my opinion therefore the evidence in this case fell far short of that which is necessary to prove paternity and I must set aside the judgment of the magistrate and the order for maintenance and, order that the summons be dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14711398 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865\charrsid14711398 (}{ \b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14711398\charrsid14711398 sgd.) G.O.L. Dyke}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1920865\charrsid14711398 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14711398\charrsid14711398 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11104718 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14711398\charrsid14711398 \par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14711398\charrsid11104718 LAUTOKA, \par {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 16}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}}16}{ \fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12651261 th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14711398\charrsid11104718 November, 1979{\*\xmlclose}. \par }}