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.}}{\*\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\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 IN THE SUPREME COURT, FIJI ISLANDS}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 AT SUVA \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO: CAV0001/1999S \par (Fiji Court of Appeal Criminal Appeal No. AAU0015 of 1997S) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx7740\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 BETWEEN:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 AMINIASI KATONIVUALIKU \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Petitioner \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 THE STATE \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Respondent}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Cora}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 m}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 :}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Hon Justice Daniel V Fatia}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 ki}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , President of Supreme Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par Hon Justice}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Jai Ram Reddy, President of Court of Appeal \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Hon Justice John von}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Doussa,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Judge of Supreme Court \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Hearing}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 : }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Monday, 14}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 April, 2003, Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Counsel:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 Mr. R. P. Singh & Mr K }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Vuataki for the Petitioner \par Mr. G.H. Allan for the Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par Date of Judg}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 ment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 :}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Monday, 14}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 April, 2003, Suva}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Date of reasons:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Thursday, 17}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 April, 2003, Suva \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12867056 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 REASONS FOR JUDGMENT ON PETITION FOR SPECIAL LEAVE TO APPEAL \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 At the end of the hearing of the petition, the Court announced that the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 application for }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 special leave was refused for reasons which we now provide. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 This is a petition for special leave to appeal from a decision of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the Court}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of Appeal given on 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 January 1999 in which it allowed }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the petitioner's}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 appeal and ordered a new trial. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 By an information filed by the Director of Public Prosecution on 15}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 July 1996 the petitioner was jointly charged in the same }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 information with}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 another person not before the Court. The petitioner was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 charged with}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ten counts of }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Abuse of Office}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that are alleged }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 to have}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 occurred during his tenure as the Administrator General and }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Public Trustee}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 . After a lengthy trial the petitioner was convicted on all }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 ten counts}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and was sentenced to an effective cumulative term of three }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 years imprisonment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 . \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The petitioner appealed against the conviction and sentence to the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 Court of}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Appeal and the Court allowed the appeal, quashed the convictions }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 and ordered}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 a new trial on all ten counts. The petitioner had by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 then already}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 served 13 months of his sentence. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 In the petition for special leave to appeal against the retrial }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 order the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 petitioner advanced the following grounds: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 1}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 . }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 THAT}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the learned Appellate judges erred in taw in holding that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 there was}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 evidence from which Assessors and Judge could properly infer }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 that your}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Petitioner was in abuse of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 authority of}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 h}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 is office by the possible inference that he }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as dishonest }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 by approving}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the loan and authorising each of the payments to which }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the counts}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 relate (}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 p}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 .22 of Judgment) and in particular: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (a) in holding that your Petitioner had approved the loan when in }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 fact all}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 he ap}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 proved }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 by the words "I }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 am }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 agreeable to above" (}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 p}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 .18 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 of Judgment}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ) }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as i}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 n essence agreeing to the terms}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (1) and (7) upon }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 which}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 "}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 application could }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 b}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 e considered on" (p. 17 }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \endash 18 Judgment}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ), \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (b) in failing conclusively to hold that under Section 4(3) of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the Public}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Trustee Act the Assistant Public Trustee had powers to }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 approve the}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 loan and did so approve the loan (p.22 of Judgment), \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (c) in failing to accept that the Assistant Public Trustee had }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 approved the}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 loan and that it was reasonable inference that your Petitioner }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 was not}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 dishonest in continuing to authorise payments to }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 complete}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 the subdivisions}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and have advances repaid (}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 p.}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 21 \_ 22 of Judgment), \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12867056\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 2. }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 THAT}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the learned A}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 ppellate Judges erred in law in}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 holding that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 it was}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 not essential to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the act of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 your Petitioner}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 was prejudicial to the rights or interest of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the beneficiaries}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 named in the charge which was an essential element of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the offence}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 charged against your Petitioner (page 26 of the Judgment). }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 That it}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 was suff}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 icient only that the act "might}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 have" }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 prejudiced }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the beneficiaries}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 . In so holding that view, the Court of Appeal }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 departed from}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 w}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ell known principle of Criminal Law that the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 prosecution must}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 adduce evidence to prove each essential element of the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 offence beyond}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 a reasonable doubt: }{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 Wo}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 o}{ \b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 lm}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ington \_v\_ DPP 1}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 935}{ \b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 AC 462 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and instead speculated on the matter }{ \b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 O}{\b\i\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 R ALTERNATIVELY}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that the learned Appellate Judges erred in law in }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 failing to}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 accept that there was no evidence that the interests of }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the beneficiaries}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 had}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 been prejudiced (p.26 of Judgment)." \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The petitioner was ably represented at the hearing of the application by}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Mr Singh and Mr Vuataki who had earlier appeared for him in the Court }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 of Appeal}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 . Mr Vuataki argued in support of the above two grounds and Mr}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 Singh argued}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 against }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the Court}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of Appeal's Order for a new trial.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Mr Allan for the Director }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 of Public}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Prosecutions Office opposed the petition. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The particular circumstances under which special leave may be granted in}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 a criminal}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 matter are specifically set out in }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 section 7(2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 Supreme}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Court Act 1998}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 which reads: \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `In relation to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 a}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 criminal matter, the Supreme Court must not }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 grant special}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 leave to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 appeal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 unless }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 -}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (a) a question of}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 general legal importance is involved; \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 (b) a substantial}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 question of principle affectin}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 g the administration of criminal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 justice is}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 involved; or \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10618541 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (c) substantial and grave injustice could otherwise occur.' \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 It is plain from this provision that t}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 he }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Supreme Court is not a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 Count of}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 criminal appeal or general review nor is there an appeal to the Court }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 as a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 matter of right and, whilst we accept that in an application }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 for special}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 leave some }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 elaboration on}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the grounds of appeal may have to be entertained, the Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 is necessarily}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 confined within the legal parameters set out above, to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 an appeal}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 against the judgment of the Court of Appeal which in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 this instance}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , was an order for a new trial. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 We do not consider it appropriate or necessary to canvas }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 counsel arguments}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 in detail. Suffice it to say that the several matters }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 advanced by}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Mr. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 Vuataki in support of }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 grounds}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 (}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 1)}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 (2) }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 above, }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 raises essentially}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 factual issues that are }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 properly within}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the province of a trial court (and assessors) to determine }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 such as}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , the question whether or not the petitioner had actually approved }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the various}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 advances that are the subject matter of each count in abuse }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 of his}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 office and what the particular state of mind of the petitioner }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 was in}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 approving the various advances. In this regard we note that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the Assistant}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Public Trustee at the relevant time }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Mr}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 D P }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Sing}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863665\charrsid13576299 h}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 was }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 not called}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as a witness at the trial. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 In so far as the charges may or may not be said to have been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 defective in}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the averment of the person alleged to have been prejudiced by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the petitioner's}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 activities, the Court of Appeal was satisfied that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 no material}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 prejudice was caused to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 the petitioner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and no miscarriage of justice could have occurred.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 It was }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 for this}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 reason that}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the Court found it unnecessary to decide whether the averment }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 was actually}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 defective. Properly understood the reasons of the Court do }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 not depart}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 from the principle in }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Woolmington v DP}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 P}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 [1935] AC 462.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The Court of Appeal also dismissed all other grounds of appeal raised }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 by the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 petitioner before it but in doing so concluded,}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `that there }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 was }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 evidence }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 u}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 pon which the assessors and the judge could properly }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 have concluded}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that when the petitioner gave the directions set out in }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 each of}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the counts, he could not honestly have believed that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 he was }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 entitled to give them.' \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 We are not persuaded that the matters raised in grounds 1 and 2 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 and elaborated}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 upon by Mr Vuataki in his oral submissions satisfies any }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 of three}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 criteria for the grant of special leave. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The petitioner's appeal was allowed because the Court of Appeal }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 formed the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 view that the su}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 mm}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ing\_up }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 '...lacks those essential qualities }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 of objectivity}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , even handedness, and balance required to ensure, a fair}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 trial}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 .' }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 In particular, that the trial judge had failed in his summing }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 up to}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 fairly and objectively put the petitioner's case to the assessors. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10618541\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 We turn therefore to consider the submissions of Mr Singh which was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 to the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 effect that the Court of Appeal's order for a new trial }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 was unreasonable}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 having regard to the substantial }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `delay in holding }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the trial}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 from the date of }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 commission}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of the alleged offences.' \par }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 In support of his oral submissions Mr Singh helpfully traced a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 brief chronology}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of relevant dates which reveals that the offences with }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 which the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 petitioner was charged were committed over a three year }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 period between}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 the 5}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of September}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 1989 and 25}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 February 1992 and although the trial took }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 place some}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 five years after the date of the last offence charged this }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 occurred within}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 18, months of the information being filed in the High Court. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 There is no evidence before the Court which might assist in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 its understanding}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of the nature and cause(s) of the delay, but even so, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the question}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of delay is patently a matter for the consideration of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the Director}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of Public Prosecutions and the re\_trial Court. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Furthermore we note from the evidence of Mr Archibald who replaced }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the petitioner}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as Administrator General and Public Trustee that, on }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 assuming office}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , he had caused internal inquiries to be conducted and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 had requested}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 an independent inspection and investigation to be carried }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 out, the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 results of which were not received by his office until 18}{\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 th}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 July}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 1994. Presumably thereafter matters would have been referred to }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the police}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 for criminal investigations and that would have to be }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 completed before}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 criminal charges could be laid in the Magistrates Court where }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 a Preliminary }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Inquiry would then have to be held before the case was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 eventually committed}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 to the High Court for trial. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 We note, in passing, counsel's frank admission that the question }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of delay}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 was not raised either before the trial court or in the Court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of Appeal}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 although the above chronology of events would have been }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 obvious to}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the Court of Appeal at the time it made the order for a new trial. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The power of the Court of Appeal to order a new trial is contained }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 in }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 Section}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 23(2)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of the }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Court }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of Appeal}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Act (ca}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 p}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 12)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and may be }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 exercised }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6963124\charrsid13576299 '\'85 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 if}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the interests of justice so require...' \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Speaking }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of. an}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 identically\_ worded power Lord Diplock said in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 delivering the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 opinion of the Privy Council in }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 A}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 u}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 P}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 u}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 i\_K}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 uen v A}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 G of }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 H}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ong Kon}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 g}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 [1980] AC 351 at }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 356:}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14248422 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `The power to order a }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 new}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 trial must }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 always}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 be exercised }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 judicially. Any}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 criminal trial is to some degree an ordeal for the accused; it goes}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ithout saying that no (court) exercising the discretion judicially}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ould require a person }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 w}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ho had undergone this ordeal once to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 endure it }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 for a second,}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 time }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 unless the interests}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of justice required it.' \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and later at p. }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 357:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14248422 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 `The interests}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of justice are not confined to the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 interests}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the prosecutor and the accused in}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the particular case. They include }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the interest}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 of the public...... that those persons }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 who}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 are guilty }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of serious}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2364979\charrsid13576299 crime should}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 be brought to justice and should not escape }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 it merely}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 because of a technical blunder by the judge in the conduct of }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 the trial}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 or his su}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 mming}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 u}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 p to the jury.'}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Earlier in delivering the opinion of the Privy Council in }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Dennis Reid v}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The Queen}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 [}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 1980] AC 343, Lord Diplock observed at pp }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 349/350:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9913979 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `It is not in the interests of justice as administered under the common}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 law }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 system of criminal procedure that the prosecution should be given another chance to cure evidential }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 deficiencies }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 in its }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 case}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 against the defendant. At the other extreme, where the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 evidence against}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the defendant at the trial }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as so strong that any }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 reasonable jury}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 if pro}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 perly }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 directed }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 would have }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 convicted the defendant,}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 prima}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 facie the more appropriate course is to apply the proviso}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ...}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 and}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 dismiss the appeal instead }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 of incurring}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the expense and}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 inconv}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 enience to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 wit}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 nesses and jurors }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 hich would be invol}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 v}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 ed }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 in another}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 trial. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9913979 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14248422\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9913979 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 In cases which fall between these t}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 w}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 o extremes there may be }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 many factors}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 deserving of consideration,}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 some operating against}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 and some in }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 favour of the exercise of the po}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 w}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 er. }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 The seriousness}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 or otherwise of the offence must always be a }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 relevant factor}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 : so may its prevalence; and where the previous trial }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 was prolonged}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and complex, the expense and the length of time for which }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 the court and jury would be}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 involved in a fresh hearing may also }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 be relevant}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 considerations................. The length of t}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 im}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 e that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 will have}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 elapsed between the offence and the new trial if one be ordered }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 may vary}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 in importance from case to case, though having regard to the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 onus of}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 proof which lies upon the prosecution lapse of time may tend }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 to operate}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 to its disadvantage rather than to that of the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 defendant. Nevertheless}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 there }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 ma}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 y be cases where evidence which tended to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 support the}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 defence a t the first trial would not be available at the new }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 trial and}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 , if this were so, it would be a powerful factor against ordering a}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 new trial. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9913979 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11866832\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9913979 {\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The strength }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 of the}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 case presented by the prosecution at the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 previous trial}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 is always one of the factors to be taken into consideration }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 but, except}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 in the extreme cases that have been referred to, the weight to }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 be attached}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 to this factor may vary widely fr}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 om}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 case to case according }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 to the}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 nature of the crime, the pa}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299\charrsid13576299 rticular circumstances in which}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 it }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 was committed}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 and the current state of public opinion.......... On the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 one hand}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 there may well be cases where despite a near certainty that upon }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 a second}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 trial the defendant would be convicted the countervailing }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 reasons are}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 strong }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 enough to justify refraining fr}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 o}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 m}{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that course. On the }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 other hand}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 it is not necessarily a condition precedent to the ordering of }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 a }{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 new trial that the Court of Appeal should be satisfied of }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 the probability}{ \b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that it will result in a conviction.' \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 The issue on appeal before this Court, if special leave were }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 granted, wo}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13576299 u }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 ld}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 be whether the Court of Appeal erred in ordering a re\_trial on }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 the information}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 that was before the Court at the time of judgment, vi}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 z}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 8}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 January}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 1999. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Significant time has gone by since then, and we understand that }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Mr}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 D }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 P}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 S}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15863665\charrsid13576299 in}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 gh}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 the Assistant Public Trustee at the relevant time whose }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 evidence at}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 a re\_trial could be important has died, and the }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 petitioner's co}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \_accused is no }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 longer within the jurisdiction. Other}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 events bearing }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 on the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 prospects of a fair re\_trial may also have happened in this }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 time. However}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 these are not matters that would fall for consideration by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 this Court}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 in deciding whether the Court of Appeal was right or wrong }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 in deciding}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 as it did in January 1999. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9913979\charrsid13576299 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Events that have happened since then are matters which the petitioner must take up with the Director of Public Prosecutions, or the trial court if he is again presented for trial. \par \par In light of the foregoing we remain unpersuaded that the exercise by the Court of Appeal of its undoubted power to order a new trial was either inappropriate or unfounded or that }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 `grave and substantial injustice'}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 would thereby be occasioned. \par \par The petitioner having failed to satisfy the criteria for the grant of special leave, the application fails and special leave is refused. \par \par The petition is accordingly dismissed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1779908 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Hon Justice Daniel V Fatiaki \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 President of Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1779908 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1779908 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Hon Justice Jai Ram Reddy \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 President of Court of Appeal \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1779908 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1779908 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Hon Justice John von Doussa \par }{\b\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1779908\charrsid13576299 Judge of Supreme Court \par }}