A man who stole more than $8,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol from a supermarket in Korovou has pleaded guilty to the charges of aggravated burglary and theft.
Manasa Lalaqila who is in remand appeared via a zoom link.
The court was told Lalaqila broke in through the roof and entered Nayans Supermarket in Korovou sometime between 23rd and 24th March in 2019.
The 25-year-old stole cigarettes, alcohol and lighters worth $8,539.15.
Police managed to recover items worth $1,535.25.
Lalaqila, through his lawyer, Monisha Chand told the court that he is sincerely remorseful and seeks time to rehabilitate.
She says he has spent a total of 1 year, 5 months in remand.
It was heard in court that Lalaqila was remanded by the High Court in March 2019 but was released on bail by mistake by the Magistrates Court on 4th July 2020.
He was released on bail for a 2018 case where he was charged with assault and was given a suspended sentence.
The court was told that Lalaqila surrendered himself at the Korovou Police Station in March this year.
High Court Judge Justice, Daniel Goundar told the court that the Fiji Corrections Services does not have its house in order and should have known about Lalaqila's other pending matters.
He said it was not Lalaqila's fault that he was released.
The Judge said just because Lalaqila was granted bail by the Magistrates Court in another matter does not mean he should have been released.
Justice Goundar will deliver his sentence tomorrow.
