A 42-year-old man of Kalabu Housing in Nasinu who allegedly attempted to break into a travel agent’s house in Tamavua and later assaulted a police officer with a pinch bar, has claimed that he was assaulted by police officers after his arrest.
Mesake Sinu is charged with one count of criminal trespass, attempted aggravated robbery, damaging property, resisting arrest and serious assault.
It is alleged that Sinu with three other men tried to break into the home of a 45‑year‑old travel agent at Princes Road at 9.20pm last Friday.
Sinu told Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage that officers at the Samabula Police Station allegedly assaulted him and he has a medical report.
He said that he also needs further medical treatment because his right leg and left eye is swollen.
The Magistrate told the court that he should be taken to a doctor for further medical treatment.
The prosecution asked the court to transfer the matter to the High Court as Sinu is a habitual offender.
The case will be called in the Suva High Court on 24th of this month.
Sinu and three other masked men allegedly tried to force open the grill and sliding door of the house of the travel agent causing damage of $650.
When the owner of the house saw them, he called for help and they all fled the scene.
A police officer was travelling on a bus when he saw four men fleeing from the house.
He quickly got off the bus and chased them. The three other men jumped over a fence and ran away while Sinu hid in nearby bushes and swung a pinch bar and hit the police officer when he approached him.
The police officer then arrested him and took him to the Samabula Police Station.
