{\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};}
{\f179\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f180\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f182\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f183\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f184\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f185\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f186\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f187\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive 
\ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\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\ri288\sb360\sl360\slmult0
\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin288\lin0\itap0 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 Style 2;}{\s16\ql \li432\ri864\sa72\sl-228\slmult0\widctlpar
\tx1152\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin864\lin432\itap0 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 1;}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid66241\rsid461885\rsid877128\rsid1646699\rsid1982291\rsid2234041
\rsid4286794\rsid4330335\rsid4591040\rsid4741556\rsid4750488\rsid4813080\rsid4872186\rsid5050722\rsid5208729\rsid5332763\rsid5906155\rsid6291499\rsid6446760\rsid6567411\rsid6818186\rsid7017008\rsid7285889\rsid7301382\rsid8391974\rsid8524201\rsid8985794
\rsid9047116\rsid9382079\rsid9989674\rsid10234027\rsid10501515\rsid11354939\rsid12477365\rsid13113466\rsid13511648\rsid13776527\rsid13917952\rsid14292460\rsid15411789\rsid15936478}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6846;}{\info
{\title IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI (WESTERN DIVISION)}{\author maltungtung_l}{\operator maltungtung_l}{\creatim\yr2008\mo12\dy10\hr16\min7}{\revtim\yr2008\mo12\dy10\hr16\min10}{\version3}{\edmins2}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1294}{\nofchars7378}
{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws8655}{\vern16393}{\*\password 00000000}}{\*\xmlnstbl }\paperw11678\paperh16598\margl0\margr172\margt0\margb81\gutter0 
\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\grfdocevents0\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace0\dgvspace0\dghorigin0\dgvorigin0\dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot5332763 
\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\pararsid8985794 \fs20\cf1\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF FIJI}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 
\par }{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 (WESTERN DIVISION)
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6291499 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 AT LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid6291499 Appellate Jurisdiction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411789 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid5906155 Criminal Appeal No. 27 of 1979
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411789 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 BETWEEN}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5906155 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5906155 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5906155 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 KUSITINO ROSI & 2 ORS.
\par (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid877128 Appellants}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 )
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411789 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5906155 A}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 ND}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid5906155 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411789 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8985794 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 REGINAM
\par (}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid877128 Respondent}{\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid8985794 )
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5332763 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794 
\par Mr. S. Verma for Messrs G.P. Shankar & Co.,
\par for the Appellants
\par Mr. D. Williams, for the Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1646699 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8985794\charrsid1646699 JUDGMENT}{
\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid1646699 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5332763 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
The three appellants were charged with two counts of arson contrary to Section 353(a) of the Penal Code. They pleaded not guilty, but after hearing evidence, including evidence from the three appellants the magistrate found them guilty on both counts and 
sentenced them each to 4 years imprisonment on count 1 and 18 months imprisonment on count 2, the sentences to run concurrently. They now appeal both against their conviction and the sentences passed on them.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 The case against the appellants depended very heavily on}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699  confessions made by each of th}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 em during the course of interviews and interrogation conducted by the po}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 lice. There was other evidence p}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 ointing the finger of suspicion against
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 them, but it is indisputable}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  that without the confessions there}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 
 would have been insufficient evidence to support the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 convictions.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4330335 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 The}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 admissibility }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 of these confessions was challenged du}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 ring the course of a trial with}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 in a trial, but subject to a fairly minor qualification and exci}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699 sion they were admitted. }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1646699\charrsid5050722 Once they w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5050722 
ere admitted and accepted as having been freely and voluntarily made then the conviction of the three appellants on both}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14292460\charrsid5050722  charges followed almost inevita}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5050722 bly.
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722\charrsid5050722 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5050722 The grounds of appeal are as follows }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9382079 -}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722\charrsid5332763 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050722 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 a)}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
The magistrate erred in law in disbelieving the appellants in the trial within a trial on the basis of impressions.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9382079 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9382079 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050722 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 b)}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
The magistrate failed to properly evaluate the evidence of the police officers in view of serious contradictions therein.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9382079 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9382079 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050722 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 c)}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 The magist
rate wrongly admitted the evidence of the confessions and erred in relying on there when it was proved that unauthorised additions were made to them.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9382079 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9382079 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050722 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 d)}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 That there w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 as in law no evidence of the ow}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 nership of the two houses.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9382079 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9382079 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5050722 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 e)}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 That the verdict is against the weight of evidence considering all the circumstances.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5332763 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 
\par Ground d) was not argu}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 ed, not really sur}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 prisingly}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  in view of the evidence of the complainant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5332763\charrsid5332763  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 P.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8391974 W.1}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 .}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722\charrsid5332763 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 Ground a) wa}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 s based on the fact that in the trial wi}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 thin a trial the magistrate believed the evidence of the po}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 lice officers and rejected}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722  evidence given by the appellan}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
ts, and in dealing with the evidence of A.2 said }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 I appreciate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722  }
{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 that A.1 may, as his counsel suggests be a man}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
of limited education, but his prevaricative attitude in answering questions put to him both in evidence in chief and in cross examina}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 tion failed to impress me as to}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  his truthfulness.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  Later he said, }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 As I h}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 ave said abo}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5050722 ve A.2 did not make a creditw}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 orthy witness, his prevarication}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017008  w}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 hen asked questions, the inconsistencies in his re}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017008 lation }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 of events}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017008  as well a}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
s his failure to take such reasonable steps on his own behalf as I have }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017008 referred to above, satisfy me th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 at he is n}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7017008 ot telling the truth. I accept }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 the}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515 
 evidence of the prosecution witnesses as truthful.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 The }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 reasonable steps}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  the magistrate referred }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515 to are relat}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 ed to the fact that the accused did not complain to his counsel about the alleged }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515 assault by the police when he saw}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  him 2 days later, nor did he raise any complaint when he}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515  w}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 as later taken before a magistrate.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10501515\charrsid5332763 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488 These were}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  the only points rais}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488 ed by counsel in support}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  of the f}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488 irst ground of appeal and on thi}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
s I am asked to find that the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488 magistrate erred in rejecting the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488 s}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  evidence in}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4750488  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 the trial within a trial, and also that }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 the magis}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 trate failed properl}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
y to evaluate the ev}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 idence. B}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 ut even }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7285889 
if I thought that these two}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  quotations were rather meagre reasons for rejecting the appellant}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 s evid}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 ence, it is impossible to ignore}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
 the fact that the magistrate}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 s ruling on the ad}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 missibility}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  of the confessions ran to 11 full pages,}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027  w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 
hilst his judgment in th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 e case ran to a further 6 full }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 pages.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 
 W}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 hilst I accept that length does not necessarily imply correctness, accuracy or even completeness, it is not possible to read}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 the ruling or the final judgment without being aware}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027  }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 of t}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 
he very careful consideration given by the magistrate to every aspect of the case. It is not correct that he disbelieved the appellants only because}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763  o}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 f impressions. He dea}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 lt at }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027 
length with the evidence given by all the w}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 itnesses}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10234027  including the appellant. He }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478\charrsid5332763 dealt with the }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9989674 
improbabilities in the evidence of the appellants, especially in their accounts of assault by the police, and it is abundantly clear that he did not arrive at his conclusions without the most careful consideration and evaluation of all the evidence. }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15936478 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9989674 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9989674\charrsid5208729 With regard to the contradictions in the evidence of the police officers the magistrate had this to say (and the contradictions, such as they were only became apparent}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9989674  }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 in the main trial, not in the voir dire)}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9989674 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid5208729 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 
-------subsequent cross-examination revealed inconsistencies in the evidence of PW 3 and PW 4 but then it would be singular if it did not. One must draw a distinction between direct contradictions w
hich are of a highly pertinent nature and which go to the root of the matter and minor inconsistencies which, if anything, tend to show that the witnesses in question have not conspired to give fabricated evidence. That is to say that if PW 3 and PW 4 gav
e evidence identical in all respects, notwithstanding the fact that the event of which they speak happened 6 months ago, it might lead to a belief that they had collaborated }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7285889 
in preparing their testimonies.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5208729 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 
\par So there is no }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186 doubt that in reaching his conclus
ions the magistrate did take into account inconsistencies or contradictions in the evidence given by the police witnesses, he did properly evaluated their evidence and all the other evidence}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7285889 ,}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186  and on this ground I don}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186 t think his judgment can be faulted.}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208729 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186 
\par The third ground of appeal was that since there were unauthorised additions to the confessions they should not have been admitted in evidence. 
\par 
\par There was evidence by police witnesses that after A3 had finished his interview and had signed the record, a further question was asked and the answer recorded, the question and answer being inserted above the signature.
\par 
\par The question was the same as had been asked of one of the other appellants, it raised a significant point but was not of great importance in indication the appellants}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186  guilt.
\par 
\par It would have been better if the question and answer had been shown as additional on the record when there could have been no serious objection to it. The magistrate, quite properly in the exercise of his }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4591040 discretion, decided t
hat this part of the record should be treated as inadmissible but refused argument that the whole record of the interview should be rejected. No authority was quoted for this ground of appeal and I am not persuaded that the magistrate erred in the view he
 took.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4872186 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4591040 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4591040\charrsid9047116 
Although this was not one of the written grounds of appeal counsel for the appellants argued that for the purpose of the interviews the police followed Judges Rules II but did not follow }{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4741556\charrsid9047116 Ju}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4741556 dges Rules}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116  IV which says that w}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4591040\charrsid9047116 here}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116  written statements are taken after caution the suspect should if he doesn}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 '}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 t wish to write the statement himself be asked to sign a certificate in th}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid461885 
e following terms-}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4591040 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9047116 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 I \'85\'85\'85
wish to make a statement. I want someone to write down what I say. I have been told that I need not say anything unless I wish to do so and that whatever I say may be given in evidence.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2234041 "}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9047116 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 
This argument was not raised in the court below, although another objection under the Judges Rules was raised and dealt with. It was there pointed ou
t by the magistrate that the Rules is not necessarily fatal to the prosecution case. This applies equally well to the argument now raised by the defence counsel and I would also point out that Judge}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411 s Rule IV hardly seems to apply to a situation where a sus
pect is being interviewed and a record being made of questions and answers. The suspect can hardly be expected to record the whole of the interview and this surely must be done by the interviewing of}{
\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8524201 ficer. I can see no merit in this}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411  ground of appeal.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9047116 
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411 
\par It i
s clear from the record that the magistrate dealt properly and fully with the evidence before him, and there was ample evidence in the confessions taken together with other pieces of evidence that dovetail neatly with what the appellants said, to support 
the conv}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6446760 ictions of all three appellants.}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411 
\par 
\par With regard to sentence the remarks recorded by the magistrate fully justify the sentence he passed on the appellants. Arson is a nasty, cowardly way to take revenge and fully justifies a deterrent sentence.
\par 
\par The appeal is therefore dismissed both as to conviction and sentence.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4813080 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411\charrsid4813080 (G.O.L. Dyke)
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15411789 {\b\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411\charrsid4813080 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1982291 {\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411\charrsid1982291 Lautoka,
\par }{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13511648 23rd}{\fs24\cf0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6567411\charrsid1982291  October, 1979.
\par }}