Court rules man who allegedly stole $7,600 from EFL last year is unfit to take plea due to mental illness

The Suva High Court has ruled that the man who allegedly robbed Energy Fiji Limited of $7,600 last year is not fit to take the plea and stand trial.

Autiko Nabunobuno allegedly took $7,600 cash from the EFL office in Suva on 16th April last year.

He was allegedly armed with a piece of timber and smashed the glass of the EFL Head office, forcefully entered the cashier section and took the money.

He is charged with one count of aggravated robbery.

While delivering his ruling, High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar says Nabunobuno is to be detained at Saint Giles Hospital for treatment until such time a medical practitioner certifies that he is not a risk to himself or the community.

Justice Goundar further says it is not in dispute that 52-year-old Nabunobuno has a history of mental illness, namely schizophrenia since 2008 and has been admitted to Saint Giles Hospital four times since then.

He says according to the psychological evaluation report received by the court, Nabunobuno had derailment of thoughts and delusions that he was a millionaire, owned EFL and the money he allegedly took was his.

Justice Goundar adds there is some evidence that Nabunobuno's illness is chronic in nature and his delusions are fixed and may never be eliminated despite medications.

He says the DPP is to decide whether to continue the prosecution and advise the court of his decision in writing in 21 days.