Puamau Finds Kishore’s Proof of Absence Not Good Enough
The former teacher faces six counts of indecently annoying a person and one count of criminal intimidation.
Magistrate Seini Puamau has found Kishore Kumar’s evidence of being absent from court proceedings weak.
Kumar appeared at the Suva Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday with his medical certificate and a Police report to prove his absence for the last two trial proceedings.
The former teacher faces six counts of indecently annoying a person namely Lenora Qereqeretabua and one count of criminal intimidation.
He told the court that after being injured from the robbery at his home, he was taken to the Valelevu Police Station where he filed a complaint and released after 4pm.
He was advised to get a sick sheet from the hospital to proof his injuries.
When asked about failing to attend court the next day, Kumar said with the medical certificate and losing his voice, he made the decision not to attend because it would be useless.
State lawyer Moira Konrote asked the court to have the trial called on another day because their witness was not present, however, Kumar interrupted her when he asked the Magistrate if they could proceed as planned.
Magistrate Puamau told Kumar, he had no standing to request for a trial.
She said because Kumar had breached his promise to attend all his court proceedings and because the proof he provided was not good enough, she ordered that he be remanded until the end of the case.
A file will be sent to the Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola for approval to have Kumar undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
She ordered that this be mentioned next Tuesday. The next date for trial has been set for April 20. Kumar created drama as he argued with the court that prosecution and police had verified his proof of absence.
While screaming, he told the court that his absence was not done willingly but was circumstantial.
He said there was no reason for him to hide because he was ‘famous’.
A calm Magistrate Puamau told Kumar, she understood his reasons of screaming, but he had lied to the court and only gave a partial proof of his failure to attend his proceeding which was weak and not good enough.
As police escorted Kumar out, Magistrate Puamau told him he was free to appeal to the High Court if he wasn’t satisfied with her ruling.
Kumar responded: “I hope you sleep well tonight because I will.”