Justice Hamza warns alleged wife beater
A Tacirua man, charged with an act with intent to cause grievous harm, was warned in the High Court in Suva yesterday not to lay a hand on his wife or risk having his bail revoked.
Ledua Masi Tiko was produced before Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza for first call after his case was transferred from the Nasinu Magistrates Court.
He appeared on bail and it was revealed in court that he had violated his bail condition when he relocated with his wife and three children from his parent’s house in Tacirua East to Nadera.
Justice Hamza questioned the accused why he relocated when his bail condition, which was set by the Magistrates Court, stated that he must reside in Tacirua East until completion of the case.
The accused said that he was not aware. It was revealed that on November 11, 2017, the accused allegedly hit his wife on the head with a wooden chair.
Her medical report indicated that dry blood was found in her nose and there was tenderness in her spine.
Justice Hamza questioned the accused if he was staying with his wife to which he said he was adding that there was no Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) imposed.
Legal Aid lawyer Talei Kean said a DVRO had been imposed, but it was not clear to what extent as there were no non-contact orders given.
State lawyer Sujata Lodhia said his wife was a State witness who said she had reconciled with the accused and wished to withdraw the case.
Ms Lodhia said since it was a domestic matter, they had no instructions to terminate the matter.
She requested the court to impose a non-contact order adding that if the case went to trial, then there was a likelihood that the accused’s wife would choose not to testify against her husband.
Justice Hamza advised the accused not to reoffend and not to cause any more harm to his wife.
The case has been adjourned to March 13, 2018, for mention.
Tiko’s bail was extended and he was advised to file an application for bail variation if he wanted to change his bail conditions.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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