THE Nadi man charged for allegedly causing the death of Virgin Australia flight attendant Lucinta Evans in March has been granted bail.
Facing one count of manslaughter, Makario Namotu Vilimotama appeared at the Nadi Magistrates Court where his bail application was allowed, and the case transferred to the High Court in Lautoka.
Defence lawyer Peceli Heritage argued every accused person had the right to be released on bail unless it was not in the interest of justice.
He said his client had a clean record and had cooperated with police officers during investigation.
Mr Heritage said the accused called his father who then reported the incident to police.
He added Vilimotama was not a flight risk and that they were willing to pay a $2000 cash bond for his bail.
In response, DPP lawyer John Vaurasi objected to the bail application arguing the accused was the son of a police officer and he could interfere with state witnesses.
He said the charge was a serious and indictable offence which carried a maximum 25-year prison term if convicted.
In her ruling, Magistrate Talei Kean said she was satisfied the accused was not a flight risk and that he had been cooperating with police investigations. He was also a first-time offender.
Magistrate Kean warned, however, that a breach of any of Vilimotama’s bail conditions would result in the cancellation of the bail.
The court imposed a nighttime curfew on Vilimotama from 7pm to 5am and ordered him to provide a $2000 cash bond and two sureties. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and report to the Namaka Police Station every week.
The case has been transferred to the High Court in Lautoka and adjourned to May 28.
