The admissibility of DNA evidence will be determined before the substantive trial of a man involved in a break-in at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks armoury in Nabua Isaia Ledua appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere this morning, facing one count each of aggravated burglary and damaging property.
Mr Ledua is alleged to have committed the offences alongside others between April 7 and 9 this year. He is further alleged to have damaged an armoury keypad locker valued at $730. The court has set aside two days in April 2027 for a voir dire hearing to determine whether the DNA evidence can be admitted as evidence at trial.
Defence lawyer Jerry Dinati, is challenging the circumstances in which the DNA sample was obtained, claiming Mr Ledua was not informed of his rights when investigators conducted a swab for his DNA.
The court heard that the admissibility of the DNA evidence must first be determined before the substantive trial can proceed. The matter has been adjourned to October 15 for a pre-trial conference.
