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{\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid10099053 
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}FIJI{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose})
\par (WESTERN DIVISION)
\par AT LAUTOKA
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3890833 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 Civil }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8716832 Jurisdiction}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid3890833 Action No. 267 of 1976
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid10099053 BIJAY HARAK}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 s/o Ram Harak
\par Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 AND
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid10099053 1. PREM PRASAD}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708  s/o Ram}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099053  Audh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid10099053 2. SANDH WATI HAWAN CHALI }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099053 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 d/o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10099053  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 Shiu Sharan Singh
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 Mr. R. Krishna, Counsel for the Plaintiff
\par Mr. H.C. Sharma, Counsel for the Defendants
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10099053 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708\charrsid10099053 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 The plaintiff is now 26 years of age and is now a cane farmer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par His action is for damages arising out of a motor accident which occurred about {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname time}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Hour}{\xmlattrvalue 0}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Minute}{\xmlattrvalue 0}}}12 midnight
{\*\xmlclose} on {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 5}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 23}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1976}}}23/5/76{\*\xmlclose}.

\par 
\par At that time the plaintiff was employed as cook at the Travelodge Hotel which is situated on the {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose} which is in an area where several large hotels are situated.
\par 
\par He had finished his work as a cook and left the Travelodge Hotel on his motor cycle proceeding along the hotel drive towards {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}. Ahead of him was a taxi which was preceded by a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 bus and all three vehicles turned right into Votualevu Road and proceeded in the direction of Queen}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 s Road and towards the Mocambo Hotel about 80 yards away.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13254062 The Macambo Hotel stands back from {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose} on the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13254062 s lefthand and there is a lengthy drive leading up to it from {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3611708 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13254062 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11281247 According to the plaintiff the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11281247 
bus proceeded across the junction of Votualevu Road and the Macambo Drive and stopped on the lefthand side of Votualevu Road about 11 yards beyond the junction, beside the Kiwi Taxis garage. The taxi ahead of the plaintiff pulled out to overtake the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11281247 bus and the plaintiff followed suit. He was at that time close to {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Macambo Drive{\*\xmlclose}
 junction and he says he had seen the lights of a taxi }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15811293 approaching Votualevu road via the {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Macambo Drive{\*\xmlclose}
. He recognised it as a taxi because it had an illuminated sign on its roof.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13254062 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 Just as he was entering the junction the plaintiff was involved in a collision with the taxi which he says turned right into {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}
 i.e. towards the Travelodge Hotel in the opposite direction to the plaintiff. As a result of the collision the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 
s motor cycle was extensively damaged and is accepted as a write off. The plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 s left leg was hit by the taxi and the tibia and f
ibia were broken as a result of which his left leg is shortened by one inch and is somewhat out of alig}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15036502 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 ment.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13257461 Following the accident the plaintiff says he was in great pain and it seems that he was removed to {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceName}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Nadi{\*\xmlclose} 
{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceType}}Hospital{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} in a cab of Kiwi Taxis and later was taken to {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceName}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Lautoka}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024672 {\*\xmlclose} }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7492485 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceType}}H}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3024672 ospital}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13257461 {\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose}.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15951879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2165800 His version of the accident is confirmed by P.W.2, Joseva Tui, barman at the Macambo Hotel, who states he was a passenger in the taxi. P.W. 2 Joseva Tui, says that def
endant No.1 was the taxi driver, the defendant No.1, Prem Prasad, had collected P.W. 2 at the Macambo Hotel to take }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8220243 him to his home}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2165800 
. He says that defendant No. 1 Prem }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12002182 Prasad,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2165800  drove into {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname address}}
Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} and turned right without stopping and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4815754 collided with the motor cyclist}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2165800 
. The defendant No.1 did not stop to see what had happened but drove on beyond the Travelodge Hotel and dropped P.W. 2, Josev}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4815754 
a Tui, at his home. He said the taxi did stop because the engine had stalled but defendant No.1 started off again. Joseva Tui d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8220243 i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4815754 
d not know that anyone had been injured.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16320592 The }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16320592 bus in question is a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16320592 pick-up}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16320592 
 bus collecting hotel workers in the vicinity and taking them in the direction of Lautoka. It was suggested by the defence that the bus had not stopped beyond the Macambo junction but had turned up the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11368472 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Macambo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16320592  Drive{\*\xmlclose}
 towards the hotel. P.W. 2 did not agree stating that it had already been to the Macambo Hotel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15796432 
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 It was suggested to Joseva Tui (P.W. 2) that he was never in the taxi, and that he had never 
witnessed the accident. Certainly the police had not taken a statement from him and in conversation with the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
s wife at some time that he mentioned the accident.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11685139 A completely different account is given by Defendant No.1, Prem Prasad, who says tha
t he was en route from the Kiwi Taxi stand (just by the Macambo junction) to Travelodge Hotel to pick up tourists and taken them to the airport. He saw}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3816355  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12002182 the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3816355 bus approach Macambo junction and turn left up the drive and the taxi came straight on followed by the plaintiff who was completely on }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13833185 his wrong side. The defendant No.1 was on his correct side and could not avoid a collision. His evidence suggests that th
e motor cycle had pulled out from the vehicles in front of it into the path of the taxi of defendant No.1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13833185 
\par The latter claimed that he had no passengers in the taxi at the time and that he stopped when the accident occurred. Alighted from his taxi, notified his employers (whose depot was only yards away) saw the plaintiff into another Kiwi taxi for Nadi }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15143619 hospital and notified the police. He says he did not move his taxi until after the police had taken measurements.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13833185 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15143619 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5985074 The evidence of the driver was confirmed 
as to events after the accident by his supervisor of that time, D.W. 2, Sushen Chand Verma, who stated that the taxi remained at the scene until the police came and that the plaintiff was moved to {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1
{\factoidname PlaceName}}Nadi{\*\xmlclose} {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname PlaceType}}Hospital{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} in a Kiwi taxi. He said that the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5985074 s detail of picking up air-passengers from the Travelodge Hotel was given to another driver.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15143619 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5985074 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3809742 Because he was evidence in another Court the constable who measured the scene could not be present and the hearing was adjourned to the follo
wing morning. It was then that one of those incidents occurred which are not unknown in trials. The plaintiff asked leave to call a witness of whose existence the plaintiff had been unaware until after the adjournment on the previous day. She lives at Nav
iti Resort Hotel about 70 miles from Lautoka and P.W. 2 who had then revealed her existence brought her to Lautoka Supreme Court for the hearing at {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname time}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Hour}{\xmlattrvalue 9}}
{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Minute}{\xmlattrvalue 30}}}9.30 a.m.{\*\xmlclose} I allowed her to give evidence and at the defendant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3809742 
s option she gave evidence for the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6629641  before the defendant called the policeman.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5985074 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6629641 
\par She recalled the accident in some detail stating that she had been a passenger in the defendant 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6629641 
s taxi along with Joseva Tui (P.W. 2). At that time she was the receptionist at the Macambo Hotel and revealed that the Kiwi taxi depot is connected to the nearby hotel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6629641 s intercom. system. She called for a taxi on the intercom. And the defendant No.1, Prem Prasad, appeared with the taxi. She confirmed P.W. 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6629641 s account of the accident, identified the defendant No.1 without hesitation. In fact it was not a matter of identification but one of recognition.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 She insisted that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8409998 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 "}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 pick-up}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494  bus did not come up th
e Macambo drive at that time and said that when the defendant 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 s taxi reached {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1
{\factoidname address}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 
bus had passed the junction and was by the Kiwi Taxi depot. At the junction the defendant taxi did not stop at {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname address}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname Street}}Votualevu Road{\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} but i
nto the said road towards Votualevu and the accident then occurred. The defendant No.1 did not stop although P.W. 2 called him to stop. She says the car lights went out and the defendant 1 alighted to attend to that and then took them, (P.W.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 s 2 & 3) to their destination.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 
\par In cross-examination it was suggested to her that she did not know defendant No. 1 and she replied that he had visited Naviti Resort Hotel with passengers since the accident and that she had mentioned the accident to him.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084 The policeman, D.W. 3, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12925699 gave}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084  evidence that he arrived at the scene about {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1
{\factoidname time}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Hour}{\xmlattrvalue 1}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Minute}{\xmlattrvalue 5}}}1.05 a.m.{\*\xmlclose} by which time the plaintiff was already in hospital. He measured the scene.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11294494 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084 
\par I have not the slightest hesitation in declaring the Defendant 1 & D.W.2 to be among the most blatant lairs that I have come across in the {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0
{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}}Fiji{\*\xmlclose} courts. Before P.W. 3 was called I had begun to have doubts about the truthfulness of the defence witne}{
\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084\charrsid6884609 ss}{\fs24\cf1\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13787328\charrsid6884609 es}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084  defendant 1 and D.W.2.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 
 The P.W. 1 was a learner driver but obviously very familiar with that road. His evidence had a distinct ring of truth about it and I regarded his evidence that the taxi came down Macambo Hotel drive as the kind of story which was unlikely to be concocted
. P.W. 2 Joseva Tui did not appear to be taking part in a deliberately falsified story.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16151084 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13787328 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 
 would, think, be a foolhardy person who would falsely claim not simply to being an eye-witness of the event but being a passenger in one of the vehicles. The ways in which such }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5780495 a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 
palpable untruth could have been exposed are numerous. There may well have been passengers in the taxi at the time of the accident and P.W. 2 would not be aware of their presence if he had never witnessed the accident.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1210454 When P.W. 3 gave her evidence I was not at all surprised at the nature of it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid208730 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1210454 
\par The plaintiff and his witnesses are undoubtedly honest and I accept their version.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8613273 With regard to the police sketch plan it is in my view almost worthless except for the impression it conveys of the area. It was about {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0
{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}}12 midnight{\*\xmlclose} when the accident occurred and the police did not arrive until after 
{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}}1.00 a.m.{\*\xmlclose} The defendant 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8613273 s taxi was obviously not where it allegedly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9336710  stopped after the collision but was w
here defendant 1 subsequently put it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1210454 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9336710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444122 In my view defendant 1 did not want witnesses to the accident and for the reason he drove P.W.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444122 s 2 & 3 to their destination(s) and returned to the scene without them to await the arrival of the police. He avoided tell
ing the police he had any passengers at the material time. His behaviour throughout is manifestly consistent with his guilt.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9336710 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444122 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7690181 It would be quite possible for the defendant 1 in turning right into Votualevu Road to strike the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7690181 s motor cycle with the front left of his car if the motor cycle were on the crown of the road or over the crown taking up a position to pass a stationary }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7690181 bus about 50 yds}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3814339 
. Or so ahead. Pieces of broken glass add nothing to the picture nor the alleged final position of the motor cycle. Those positions could have been manipulated before the police arrived.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2444122 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16718111 I find the defendant 1 entirely to blame for the accident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16718111 
\par There is no dispute as to special damages}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3887073  which covers the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3887073 s lo}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16718111 ss of earnings, motor cycle and medical expenses which amounted to $1406.86.
\par 
\par It remains to consider general damages to cover pain, suffering, the permanent deformity of the left leg and loss of amenities as a result.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3478587 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2314510 There is no evidence of a loss of earning capacity.
\par 
\par He can no longer play soccer and in 1976 he would be 23 years and with 12 years or so ahead of him in which he could take part in that sport. He has difficulty in lifting heavy objects and his mobility is affected as displayed by his difficulty in climbin
g stairs.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6444 I award $5000 as general damages.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2314510 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6444 
\par The total is $6,406.86 and I give judgment in that sum as against both defendants. The defendants will pay the plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3890833 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6444 s costs.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid198760 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid198760 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid198760\charrsid198760 (Sgd.) J.T. Williams,
\par JUDGE.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3611708 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid198760 
\par LAUTOKA,
\par {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname date}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Month}{\xmlattrvalue 11}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Day}{\xmlattrvalue 21}}{\xmlattr\xmlattrns0{\xmlattrname Year}{\xmlattrvalue 1979}}}21st November, 1979{\*\xmlclose}.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2314510 
\par }}