A FARMER accused of robbing the Alison Supermarket at Laucala Beach Estate outside Suva last year and stealing $25,750.35 in cash has pleaded not guilty.
Leone Lesumailepanoni appeared on four counts of aggravated robbery before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva yesterday.
Mr Lesumailepanoni and two others allegedly stole a taxi after tying up the driver and dumping him in the boot of the vehicle.
The men then allegedly brandished cane knives and threatened attendants and shoppers at the Alison Supermarket on December 2 last year.
During the incident, the accused and his accomplices robbed a customer, Ashwita Narayan, of approximately $24,000 in cash and Rita Reddy of $100, snatching her handbag and purse while also robbing the supermarket of $1650.35.
Justice Rajasinghe said due to the public interest and serious nature of the offence, an early hearing date would be given.
State prosecutor Simone Seruvatu confirmed the caution interview of the accused would not be relied upon during trial.
Mr Seruvatu informed the court the CCTV footage from the supermarket was yet to be served to the defence as part of the disclosures.
Legal Aid Commission lawyer Shivani Narayan, who’s representing the accused, will meet Mr Seruvatu on March 20 for a pretrial trial conference.
Ms Narayan also informed the court her client had withdrawn his bail application.
The court also filed a tentative trial date, which has been fixed to commence on September 8.
The accused has been further remanded in custody and the case adjourned to April 2.
