Suva Magistrate Seini Puamau yesterday lifted a stop departure order against Carpenters Fiji managing director Daniel Whippy.
Mr Whippy is charged with one count of counseling the commission of an offence.
He appeared alongside former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor who is charged with abuse of office.
The duo are alleged to have amended the findings of investigations into a MH warehouse fire that occurred in April, 2018.
Mr O’Connor is accused of directing officers of NFA to amend the findings of the NFA’s investigation report for the fire at Walu Bay “for purposes of gain” while Mr Whippy is alleged to have counselled Mr O’Connor to commit the offence.
Suruj Sharma from Patel Sharma Lawyers and senior counsel from New South Wales Steven Stanton informed the court that Mr Whippy will be travelling out of the country from May 2-6 this year.
Both defence counsels told the court that three months would be suitable for a thorough evaluation of materials served by the State.
Meanwhile, Ms Puamau informed prosecution there seemed to be a disconnect of the charges filed to each defendants and the volume of evidence.
The State will look into this and will let the court know if the charges are defective before trial begins.
The case has been adjourned to June 7.
