Three men who allegedly broke into a grog shop in Nakasi have pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of theft.

The trio – Varasiko Adrole, Joseva Rakai and Emosi Baledrokadroka – appeared in the High Court in Suva before Justice Daniel Goundar charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, one count of act with intent to cause grievous harm and one count of damaging property. They were not represented in court.

On the first two counts of aggravated robbery, on April 26, 2018, they allegedly burgled two Nakasi shops namely Shivnil’s Grog Shop and Hanish Liquor Store of items worth $3,080.

On the third count of act with intent to cause grievous harm they allegedly injured the security guard of Hanish Liquor Store, Mohammed Haniff, by striking him on the head with a piece of timber.

For the third count of damaging property, they unlawfully and wilfully damaged the window of a Police vehicle valued at $2129, the property of the Fiji Police Force.

All three also indicated that they would be challenging the admissibility of their caution interviews.

State lawyer Kimberly Semisi said they would be relying on the full admissions in the accused men’s caution statements.

She said they also had direct evidence against them.

The case has been adjourned to July 9, 2018 to check on Legal Aid representation for the three men.

They have since been further remanded in custody.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  fonua.talei@fijisun.com.fj