Meth suspect’s third bail application to be heard on July 4

Hearing of the third bail application advanced by meth suspect Kritesh Kumar will be heard in the High Court in Suva on July 4, 2018.

Defence lawyer Simione Valenitabua appeared for Kumar in Court yesterday on instructions of Abhay Singh who is away overseas. Mr Valenitabua said the change in circumstance was that the accused’s mortgage sale had expired and he had defaulted on his payments.

Justice Rajasinghe said the accused’s two previous bail applications were refused on the grounds that he had previous convictions and there was a high possibility that he might reoffend.

Justice Rajasinghe questioned Mr Valenitabua why the issue of payment was not disclosed by the accused in his previous bail applications. Mr Valenitabua said the accused was in default of about $26,000 which he could not do anything about.

However he could arrange for payment once he is bailed. Justice Rajasinghe said the Court

had to consider the wider aspect of the protection of the community. Mr Valenitabua suggested that strict bail conditions be imposed. He mentioned that the Demand Notice was issued on April 12, 2018, and the accused was in a precarious situation because tenders were due to close on June 22, 2018.

The second ground submitted by the Defence was the accused’s mother’s medical report.

Justice Rajasinghe said the issuing doctor could be summoned to give evidence to verify the report. He added that the accused was charged with a very serious offence and he was charged just after he was convicted in the Nasinu Magistrates Court for a similar offence.

The accused has been further remanded. Kumar is charged with one count of possession where he was allegedly found with 1.4 kilograms of Methamphetamine in his home during a Police raid on October 31, 2017.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce