A former officer in the Fiji Police Force’s Counter Narcotics Bureau has been ordered not to interfere with the victim or witnesses in criminal proceedings against him.
Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne imposed this condition, among others, after releasing Isireli Waqairalai Daulevu on a $1000 non-cash bail bond.
The State had objected to bail on the basis that, given his position of authority, there is a high likelihood of interfering with potential witnesses, many of whom are fellow police officers.
But Mr Somaratne said he found it hard to accept that Mr Daulevu had the capacity to influence or interfere with police officers of equal rank or his superiors.
“This concern is further mitigated by the fact that the applicant is currently interdicted from the police force, thereby limiting his access and influence,” he ruled.
The court also considered that Mr Daulevu can be expressly cautioned against any form of contact or interference with police and civilian witnesses and the consequences of doing so.
“The prosecution can instruct the investigating officer to monitor compliance and to promptly report to the court should any allegation or interference arise from the applicant.”
Besides the standard bail conditions, his sureties were each bonded for $1000.
Mr Daulevu has 28 days to appeal.
