The High Court in Lautoka has sent a man to the St Giles Hospital after finding him not guilty by reason of mental impairment for the offences of attempted murder.
Isoa Bainivalu had attacked a police officer with a knife in November, 2022 in Sigatoka.
He also faced charges of intent to cause grievous harm and serious assault.
“The State and the defence counsel submitted that in the interest of the community and the accused, it is only proper that the accused be confined at the St Giles Hospital,” said Justice Sunil Sharma in his July 8 ruling.
“From the evidence adduced and the submissions made by both counsel, it is obvious to me that the accused needs professional help and treatment. The family members of the accused are in no position to provide the necessary and required supervision of the accused. The accused needs psychiatric treatment, drugs rehab and supervision. The causes of the relapses were due to the failure and/or neglect in the intake of medication by the accused.”
