The High Court in Lautoka has convicted US national Bradley Robert Dawson for the murder of his wife Christe Chan while on their honeymoon at Turtle Island Resort in Yasawa on July 9, 2022.
Dawson was arrested at Matacawalevu Village a day later with several items in his possession including his passport and some personal belongings.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Riyaz Hamza said the fact that Dawson had his passport and personal belongings with him upon his arrest indicated he intended to flee after committing the offence.
Justice Hamza said he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Dawson and no one else had committed the offence.
“For the aforesaid reasons I am of the opinion that the defence’s version cannot be believed and the same version is rejected,” he said.
“Having analysed all the evidence in its totality, I am of the opinion that the prosecution witnesses were all truthful, credible and reliable in their testimony.
“From the totality of the evidence I am satisfied that the prosecution has disapproved the defence of provocation.
“Having considered all the evidence in its totality, I am of the opinion that the prosecution has proved the charge of murder against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”
Dawson has been further remanded until his sentencing on January 27 next year.
