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CAV0018 OF 2008S \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 (Fiji Cour}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 t of Appeal No. AA00056 of 2006S}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 ) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 ASHWIN CHAND \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 Petitioner \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 THE STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Coram:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 The Hon Justice Kenneth Handley, Judge of the Supreme Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 The Hon Justice David Ipp, Judge of the Supreme Court \par The Hon Justice Ronald Sackville, Judge of the Supreme Court \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837485\charrsid92261 Wednesday, 11}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid14837485\charrsid92261 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 February 2009, Suva \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Petitioner in Person \par Mr W. Kurisaqila for the Respondent \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Date of Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 6th}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 March,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 2009 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 JUDGMENT OF THE COURT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par 1 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner applies for special leave to appeal against his conviction on a charge of murder. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The trial was heard in the High Court before Govind J. The assessors unanimously held that the petitioner was guilty of murder. The petitioner was sentenced to life imprisonment }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14837485\charrsid2584713 with a minimum recommended term}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 of 12 years. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner appealed to the Court of Appeal against his conviction. The main ground of appeal was that the appellant should have been given time to instruct counsel of his own choice and that he was prejudiced by lack of representation. The Court of Ap peal (Shameem JA, Mataitoga JA, Scutt JA) unanimously dismissed his appeal. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par 4 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The first ground on which the petitioner seeks special leave to appeal is that Govind J erred in not giving the petitioner sufficient time to engage a lawyer of his choice. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 5}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Th e appellant was charged with murder on 17 October 2005. On that date the case was called in the Magistrate's Court and the petitioner was told of his right to legal representation and legal aid. The case was transferred to the High Court and called on 28 October 2005. The petitioner said he would instruct counsel of his own choice. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 27 March 2006 Mr Shankar appeared for the petitioner before Govind J on a bail application. The record states: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Shankar need to prepare for defence. Beate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14166425\charrsid2584713 n up by police while in custody.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Bail was refused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 7 April 2006 Mr Naivalu appeared for the petitioner. The matter at issue on that date was a bail application. The applic}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 ation was adjourned to 26 April.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On that date Mr Naivalu informed the Court that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Full disclosures now delivered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The disclosures were apparently delivered to Mr Naivalu. The matter was adjourned to the next day. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 8}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 27 April 2006 Mr Naivalu informed Govind J that a voir dire was needed. He submitted that the prosecution case was }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 weak}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . Govind J observed that there were }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 just over 5 weeks to go before trial.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 His Lordship granted bail. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 7 June 2006 Mr Naivalu was ill and asked for an adjournment of the trial. According to the record, Mr Naivalu said, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Will agree on facts. Will take 2 days. No voir dire.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Govind J adjourned the trial to 13 June 2006. Bail was extended. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 10}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The record reveals that on 13 June 2006 the following occurred: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Naivalu:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 My instructions withdrawn, seek leave. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Court:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Mr}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14166425\charrsid2584713 Chand you have dispersed [sic }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 - dispensed] with your Counsel \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Acussed:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 My father will be in country next week, will arrange for Counsel. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Naivalu:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 I am wri}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14166425\charrsid2584713 ting [sic-willing] to represent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The case was then stood down. On resumption the following, according to the record, occurred: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Naivalu:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 accused still}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 does not wish me to represent him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Accused:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 I want another lawyer. Will pay him}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Mr Naivalu was given leave to withdraw. The prosecutor said that all his witnesses were present and he was ready to proceed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Govind J recorded: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Whole thing of accused one [sic-own] making. No reason for discharging Mr Naivalu.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The case was adjourned to 9:30am the next day. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 11}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 14 June 2006 the petitioner appeared in person. According to the record, the following occurred: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Accused:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Will defend myself, ask for 2 weeks to study disclosures. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Court:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Did you have it earlier.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 [?]}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid92261 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Accused: No. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Court:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Are you challenging t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 he statement to the police. [?] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid92261 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Accused: Yes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8334201 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner explained that his case was that his statement to the police was not}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 made voluntarily. Govind J noted in his record. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Stand down for voir dire. Will give accused till 10:30 am to read evidence of witnesses for voir dire.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The disclosure s contained, amongst other things, the statements of the petitioner, the relevant police statements and his relevant medical evidence, and comprised more than 125 pages. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 13}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 14 June 2006, when the voir dire commenced, Govind J explained the meaning and function of the voir dire to the petitioner who said he understood. At 2:00 pm the petitioner again asked for two weeks adjournment to get lawyers. He said he did not know about the law. Govind J t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8334201\charrsid2584713 old him that he would guide him}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 on the law. The petitioner then said, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 It is OK.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 As the Court of Appeal noted: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The learned judge ruled the confessions admissible on 19 June 2006. He said that the appellant's versions of police assault were varied and inconsistent, that he had falsely said that he could not understand Hindi, when his evidence had been taken in Hindi and that the injuries found on him on 17 October were inconsistent with any of his accounts. In particular he had told the doctor that the injury under his fingernails was caused by the police st epping on his fingers with their boots. This is not what he had said in his sworn evidence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 15}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 19 June 2006, immediately after Govind J held the con}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3554820\charrsid2584713 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 essions admissible, the petitioner said he was ill and asked for an adjournment until 22 June. The doctor attending him was called and was cross-examined. Govind J ordered the trial to proceed on 20 June. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 16}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner cross-examined the State witness es and gave sworn evidence himself. The case was adjourned to 26 June 2006 to enable him to call alibi evidence. On that date, the petitioner's witnesses did not appear. The case was adjourned to 30 June but neither the petitioner nor his witnesses appear ed. A bench warrant was issued and the petitioner appeared under arrest on 31 July 2006. He said that he would not call any further witnesses. The petitioner was then convicted. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Before the Court of Appeal, the petitioner (who was then legally represented) argued that, at trial, he should have been given time to instruct counsel of his own choice and he was prejudiced by lack of representation. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 18}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal found that the petitioner was given more than sufficient time}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 to instruct counsel. The C ourt observed: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 For at least five weeks before trial he was on bail and represented. When he dispensed with the services of counsel (who had represented him most competently for the bail application) no reasons were given to the Court. However the Court's refusal to give him two weeks to prepare himself for the trial and to instruct alternative counsel might have constituted a violation of his s 28(1)(d) right if it were not for one inescapable fact. That fact is that the trial was not concluded until 10 August 2005. For several weeks the trial was adjourned because the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 appellant had absconded. There is no indication that at any time during this period of time, did he make any attempt to instruct alternative counsel. Indeed at the hearing of this appeal he would have remained unrepresented if the Legal Aid Commission had not been ordered to represent him. An adjournment by the trial judge to allow him to instruct new counsel would have been to no avail. The history leads us to the inescapable inference that there never would have been any new counsel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 19}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal's reasoning based on what is described as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 one inescapable fact}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 is not persuasive. As we have noted, the petitioner absconded for about five weeks in the middle of the trial. The notion that, while absconding, he should have found and retained alternative counsel is quite unrealistic. The petitioner, during this peri o d, was evading the processes of the law. He would not then be concerned with attempting to find a new lawyer for the trial from which he had fled. His failure to obtain a lawyer in this period is readily understandable (even if the product of reprehensibl e conduct) and does not support the inference that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 there never would have been any new counsel.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal gave other reasons for dismissing the appeal. In particular, it concluded that the petitioner was not prejudiced by representing himself as he had cross-examined each police officer competently. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 21}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal rightly pointed out that the difficulties created by the inconsistent versions that the petitioner gave of the alleged assault would not have been overcome simply by the presence of counsel. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 22}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 In his written submissions to this Court, the petitioner, for the first time, stated that he discharged Mr Naivalu }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 because he refused to run my case in the manner I wanted and according to my instructions. Furthermore he placed on r ecord his unwillingness to proceed with a 'voir dire' which was contrary to my wishes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 He also stated that he had not instructed Mr Naivalu to agree facts and that there should be no voir dire. According to the petitioner, on 8 June 2006 Mr Naivalu told him }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 he had other cases to attend to in the Magistrate's Court and that his tight schedule allowed him only two days towards my matter}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . The petitioner said it was clear to him that Mr Naivalu was not interested in his case and was not prepared to give it the full weight of his time, expertise and knowledge. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 23}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 It is significant that at trial (and even in the Court of Appeal) the petitioner gave no explanation for terminating the mandate he had given to Mr Naivalu. The allegations the petitioner now makes a gainst Mr Naivalu are serious and the petitioner's delay in making those allegations means that Mr Naivalu has not had the opportunity of refuting them. Furthermore, the fact that the petitioner has made these allegations for the first time in his petitio n for special leave means that they cannot be tested by hearing evidence from the persons involved in the usual way, that is, under oath and with cross-examination of the parties concerned. Had these assertions been made at the appropriate time, the State could have adduced evidence that might have prevented the petitioner's argument from succeeding. This is sufficient to preclude the petitioner from raising the argument based on his allegations against Mr Naivalu at this stage: }{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Suttor v Gundowda Pty Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid92261 [1950] HCA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 35; (1950) 81 CLR 418 at 438; }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Coulton v Holcombe }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid92261 [1986] HCA00}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 33; (1986) 162 CLR }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 at 8. We would add that in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Ledua v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 [2008] FJSC 31 this Court at [35] pointed out that the factual groundwork for raising complaints about lack of represent ation at trial must be made during the trial itself. Otherwise, this Court generally declines to entertain contested allegations on such matters. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 24}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Nevertheless, the petitioner is still en titled to argue that his qualified right to legal representation under s.28(1)(d) of the Constitution was infringed when Govind J required him to proceed with the trial without legal representation on 13 June 2006; that is when, on the first day of the tr ial, he discharged Mr Naivalu. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 25}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner had retained Mr Naivalu for more than 10 weeks prior to the trial. His decision to discharge Mr Naivalu prior to the commencement of the trial was his voluntary act, neither explained to the trial judge nor the Court of Appeal. The termination of Mr Naivalu's mandate at that particular stage was a serious matter. An adjournment of the trial would have led to considerable inconvenience and expense and would have prejudiced the due administration of justice. I n the absence of any credible reasonable explanation for such an act, Govind J was entirely justified, in accordance with the criteria discussed in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid92261 Attorney-}{ \b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 General v Silatolu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 [2003] FJCA 12, to refuse to grant an adjournment on the ground that the petition er was not represented. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 26}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 There remains, however, another aspect of the matter that might also be regarded as an infringement of the petitioner's right to legal representation. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 27}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 This aspect was dealt with by the Court of Appeal as follows: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The next question is whether the appellant was prejudiced by representing himself. It would have been advisable to give the appellant a short adjournment of two days before the trial within a trial commenced. This is because he told he Court he did not have time t o read the disclosure.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 28}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 This issue, however, rather concerns }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 the right of every man to a fair hearing before he is condemned [which] lies at the root of the tree of justice}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 (Griffith CJ in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Rowe v Australian United Steam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7670175\charrsid2584713 (1909) 9 CLR 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid92261 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 at 6). This prin ciple is enshrined in }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11630516\charrsid2584713 s.29 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 1) of the Constitution. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 29}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The question that arises is whether s.29(1) (and the petitioner's right to a fair trial) was infringed on 14 June 2006 when Govind J adjourned the commencement of the voir dire from 9:30 am to 10.30 a m and refused the two weeks adjournment that the petitioner had requested to enable him to read the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 disclosures.} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 30}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The fairness of Govind J's ruling depends on when the petitioner first received and read the disclosures. If this occurred only at 9:30 a m on 14 June 2006, then, having regard to the very many pages involved and the fact that the petitioner is not an educated person, the period of one hour that he was allowed was far too short. Indeed, it would have been too short for counsel. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 31}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 We have noted that it is likely that Mr Naivalu received the disclosures on 7 April 2006. There is no evidence that the petitioner read the disclosures while}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3109472\charrsid2584713 Mr Naivalu was acting for him and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 there was no compelling reason for him to have done so. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 32}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 On 13 June 2006, Mr Naivalu informed Govind J that his instructions were withdrawn. We have observed that after further discussion the petitioner said he wanted another lawyer to represent him}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The record says nothing about what then happened to the disclo sures. There are a number of possibilities. Mr Naivalu may, unthinkingly, have walked off with the disclosures, or left them on the bar table, or given them to the petitioner. What is significant is that the record shows that on}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 14 June the next day, after the petitioner asked for an adjournment of two weeks to study the disclosures, Govind J asked him: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Did you have it earlier}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 and the petitioner said, }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 No}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . Also, the record shows that Govind J simply gave the petitioner }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 till 10:30am to read evidence of witnesses for voir dire.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 33}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The statement by the petitioner that he did not have the disclosures earlier does not appear to have been challenged by the prosecution or questioned by the Judge. On its face, its natural meaning is that the petitioner did not have the disclosures in his possession until shortly before making that statement. The record of the exchange that we have quoted was made by the judge. In our view, the natural meaning of the words has to be accepted. The inference that flows from the n a tural meaning is reinforced by the Judge's statement, without any qualification, that he gave the petitioner till 10.30 am to read the evidence. It is reasonable to infer that, had Govind J considered that the petitioner had had more time, prior to 14 Jun e 2006, to read the disclosures, he would have said so. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 34}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 It must be assumed that Govind J gave the petitioner only one hour to read some 125 pages to find what material was relevant and then to prepare to deal with the voir}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 dire}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 . This would have been a daunting task for a skilled and experienced advocate; it was an impossible task for an uneducated layman. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 35 The voir dire was of critical importance. The confessional material was the principal evidence against the petitioner. It was unfair to require him , unrepresented as he was, to proceed after one hour's adjournment. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 36}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal acknowledged that Govind J's refusal to give the petitioner two weeks to prepare himself for the trial might have infringed his constitutional rights. The Court of Appeal considered that those rights were not infringed because an adjournment would have been }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 to no avail}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 the inescapable inference [was] that there never would have been any new counsel.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 We have expressed the view that this inference could not be d rawn. Had it not drawn that inference, the Court of Appeal, it seems, would have accepted that the petitioner's constitutional rights had been infringed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 37}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal also said that when the trial proper commenced, the petitioner had had a full six days to read the disclosures. That may be correct, but that petitioner was severely prejudiced in the voir dire which led to the confessional material being admitted in the trial. For the reasons we have given, the voir dire was not fairly held. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 38}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Th e Court of Appeal was of the opinion that the petitioner cross-examined the police witnesses competently. We disagree, but even if that were to be correct, the petitioner have been able to cross-examine far more effectively if had he been given, say, 48 h ours and not one hour to read the disclosures and prepare for the voir dire. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 39}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Court of Appeal said that the police evidence was to the effect that the petitioner had the disclosures and was reading them at the police station. The only police evidence in this regard, as counsel for the State accepted, was that on 15 October 2005 a police officer said that he saw the petitioner at the police station }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 carrying a set of disclosures,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Two points can be made. Firstly, as the disclosures w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9051122\charrsid2584713 ere only provided to Mr Naivalu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9051122\charrsid2584713 o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 n 7 April 2006, it is unlikely that some 8 months earlier the petitioner had the relevant disclosures in his possession. Secondly the police officer did not say that he saw the petitioner reading the documents he was holding. The Court of App eal was mistaken in this finding. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 40}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The petitioner did not receive a fair trial by reason of the refusal of the trial judge to allow him a reasonable time to read the disclosures and to prepare for the voir dire. This has resulted in a serious miscarriage of justice. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 41 We would grant the petition, uphold the appeal, set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and set aside the conviction. We would remit the matter to the High Court for a new trial, subject to the discretion of the Director of Public P rosecutions in this regard. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Hon justice}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 }{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Kenneth Handley}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Judge of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 The Hon Justice David I}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 pp}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 J}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 udge of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 The Hon Justice Ronald Sackville \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Judge of the Supreme Court \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7033124 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid2584713 \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid2584713 Solicitors:}{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4529921\charrsid2584713 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 The First Petitioner in Person \par Office of the Legal Aid Commission, Suva for the Second and Third Petitioners}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7033124\charrsid92261 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14556648\charrsid92261 Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Suva for the Respondent \par }}