A Suva magistrate has warned that police officers who fail to attend court despite being served with summons will face the full force of the law.
Magistrate Yogesh Prasad issued the warning during the trial of Jone Draunidalo after proceedings were halted when Police Constable Timoci, who was scheduled to testify, failed to appear in court on July 7.
Mr Draunidalo is on trial for allegedly possessing 0.037 grams of methamphetamine in 2024.
The court heard that PC Timoci did not produce any medical evidence, including a Form 62 under the Criminal Procedure Act, to explain his absence from the trial. As a result, Magistrate Prasad issued a bench warrant for the officer’s arrest.
The officer was produced in custody yesterday where Magistrate Prasad remanded him for 14 days for failing to comply with the court summons.
During proceedings, Magistrate Prasad referred to Section 15(3) of the Constitution, which stated that every person charged with an offence, and every party to a civil dispute, has the right to have their case determined within a reasonable time.
He also cited Section 14(g) of the Constitution, which states that a trial must begin and conclude without unreasonable delay.
PC Timoci will remain in custody until the trial resumes on July 21, when his evidence is expected to be taken.
