A trial judge cannot refuse a good character direction on the basis that the accused faces pending similar charges on a separate indictment where the prosecution has elected not to lead rebuttal evidence. Evidence not led by a party does not 'exist' in the trial for the purpose of assessing good character. The mere fact that a person has been charged with an offence is not evidence of bad character and cannot bear upon credit. Where an accused adduces evidence of good character and the prosecution does not lead rebuttal evidence, the accused is entitled to a full good character direction going to both credibility and unlikelihood of guilt.
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