Accused told to engage Legal Aid services
HIGH Court in Suva judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe advised a farmer who allegedly broke into the house of the Speaker of Parliament on Bau Island to engage the services of the Legal Aid Commission.
Ratu Jone Latianara appeared before Justice Rajasinghe yesterday charged with one count of aggravated burglary and theft.
Ratu Jone told the court he wanted to represent himself in the case and waived his right to counsel.
However, Justice Rajasinghe told the accused that the charges against him were serious.
The alleged offence took place on November 5 at Ratu Epeli Nailatikau’s house at Lomanikoro, Bau Island.
It was alleged the accused entered Ratu Epeli’s house and stole mats, a cooking stove and cooking utensils valued at $6750.
Justice Rajasinghe also gave time for prosecution to file information on the matter.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old baker also implicated in the same offence appeared separately before Justice Rajasinghe.
Semi Vakarau was also alleged to have committed the offence with Ratu Jone.
State lawyer Setefano Komaibaba told the court the prosecution needed time to go through all the evidence and sought 21 days to file information and disclosures.
Justice Rajasinghe gave the State until December 10 to file information and disclosures on the case.
Both men were remanded.
Both cases have been adjourned to December 17 for plea.