The State has filed an amendment in the case of a 30-year-old resident of Mokani Village in tailevu for allegedly entering the Prime Minister’s compound without permission.
Based on the amendment submitted by prosecutor Yelena Sautu, the criminal trespass charge remains unchanged, with only the particulars of the case being modified.
Waisea Naitini appeared before magistrate Charles Ratakele on August 13, where his charge was read to him.
Mr Naitini was allegedly stopped by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s security at the front gate because he did not have any prior arrangement or authorisation to meet with Mr Rabuka on June 20.
The next day, he climbed the fence from the back of the property but was subsequently arrested and taken to Totogo Police Station.
Mr Naitini initially pleaded guilty on his first appearance, but Justice Danile Goundar ordered the magistrate to enter a not guilty plea after examining the regularity of Mr Naitini’s proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Goundar said the initial charge in its current form had not alleged an offence contrary to Section 387 (c) of the Crimes Act, and as such, the true nature of the allegation was confusing.
He ruled that, given the defects of the charge, Mr Naitini’s guilty plea was not a true reflection of his guilt.
Mr Naitini, who is on bail, will have his plea retaken on August 18.