Man remanded till next year for absconding

A man charged with robbery with violence who failed to turn up for his trial in the Suva High Court earlier this week has been remanded in custody till January next year.

Josese Tuwaqa was released on bail however he failed to appear in court on Monday and yesterday.

Tuwaqa's surety was arrested yesterday and police managed to apprehend Tuwaqa today.

During the arrest today Tuwaqa received some injuries and DPP lawyer this afternoon asked the court to consider the injuries and adjourn the case.

However, Judge Justice Salesi Temo said the accused was injured due to his own behavior by not turning up to court.

He declared his trial a mistrial and adjourned his case till January next to fix the trial date and remanded the accused.

Meanwhile, Tuwaqa's accomplice, Josua Raitamata's trial is continuing in the Suva High Court who is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony and receiving stolen property of $3000 who has been remanded by Justice Temo till his trial finishes.

It is alleged that Tuwaqa with three others robbed one of the directors of Lokia Shopping Center of cash and cheque worth over $80,000 in 2009 in Nausori.

Story by: Ronal Deo