Magistrate transfers case after declaring conflict of interest
The case of a woman charged with obtaining money through financial advantage was re-allocated yesterday after Suva Magistrate Waleen George declared her presiding over the case was a conflict of interest.
Magistrate George said the accused Louise Steele was related to her and re-allocated the case back to the Chief Magistrate’s court.
Defense lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma presented the court with medical reports of Steele indicating her health issues and requesting for bail.
Magistrate George granted bail and gave Steele bail conditions to not to offend, not to interfere with the prosecutions witness, report to Nasinu Police station every last Monday once in a month from 6am to 6pm.
The matter has been adjourned to June 2.
Edited by Rusiate Mataika
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