Lautoka High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe yesterday overruled a two to one majority ruling by the three assessors who had handed a guilty verdict on robbery accused Ravinesh Singh.

Singh with three others were alleged to have robbed Jasvanti Ben Jamanadas of $20,000 cash and assorted jewelleries valued at $30,000 on May 23 in 2012.

Reasonable doubt

Justice Rajasinghe said there was reasonable doubt about the truthfulness of the confession made by the accused in the caution interview.

Following closing submissions, the two assessors found Singh guilty while the third found him not guilty.

Justice Rajasinghe said there was reasonable doubt whether Singh and three other men robbed Ms Jamnadas house that night or any other house.

“Accordingly I find there is a cogent reason for me to disagree with the majority opinion of guilty given by the two assessors,” Mr Rajasinghe said.

Singh called two witnesses in his defence, while the prosecution produced four witnesses before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.

Singh had denied that he provided transport for the other robbers who had entered Ms Jamnadas’ house in Nadi to rob.

The prosecution had based its case on Singh’s caution interview and information arising out of it which Justice Rajasinghe said he doubted.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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