A TERTIARY student charged with the manslaughter of Jone Vuinakelo has filed an application for a voir dire challenging the admissibility of his police interview.
Defence lawyer Kalisito Maisamoa, representing Aisake Lovobalavu, confirmed this to Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu in the High Court in Suva last month.
Mr Lovobalavu faces one count of manslaughter.
Police allege that Mr Vuinakelo, 30, was found with severe facial injuries at Nauluvatu settlement in Suva on March 15.
At the previous court sitting, Mr Maisamoa submitted that the interview was conducted immediately after a drinking session and that his client was intoxicated during prolonged police questioning.
He further alleged that parts of the interview transcript appeared to contain answers induced by police.
To support the challenge, the defence has requested disclosure of the full video recording of the interview, which has yet to be provided by the State.
The State has served the victim’s post-mortem and toxicology reports on the defence.
