The Suva Magistrate’s Court yesterday lifted a stop departure order against Carpenters Fiji managing director Daniel Whippy.
Mr Whippy had filed for bail variation in regards to travelling for business reasons and family commitment.
The State did not object but required he pay $50,000 in surety bond. Magistrate Seini Puamau directed that Mr Whippy’s passport be returned to him before April 10 so he could facilitate his travel arrangements .
Former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor also appeared alongside Mr Whippy yesterday.
Mr O’Connor is charged with abuse of office for gain and Mr Whippy is charged with one count of counselling the commission of an offense.
Both men are alleged to have amended the findings of investigations into a MH warehouse fire that occurred in April 2018.
The prosecution informed the court the second phase of disclosures had not been served due to an illness.
However, Magistrate Puamau reminded them of the constitutional right of the accused in providing them disclosures so proceedings were not held back.
Mr O’Connor, who was represented by Roylesh Nand from Lajendra Lawyers requested that his client’s confiscated electronic devices be returned to him if no evidence was found on them.
The case has been adjourned to April 11.
