Two men charged with aggravated robbery had their bail ex­tended by the High Court in Suva.

Emosi Baledrokadroka ap­peared before High Court Judge, Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on Wedneday. While Waisale Vavitaiso was not present.

Baledrokadroka and Wai­sake are charged with ag­gravated robbery.

It is alleged that on March 11, 2018, in Nasinu, in the company of each other, they robbed the complainant of $40 cash and an Alcatel mo­bile phone valued at $79, all to the total value of $119.

The defence counsel La­vinia David told the court that the second accused, Waisale, was not present in court as he was in the hospi­tal for treatment.

The counsel told the court she was advised by the ac­cused’s mother that Wais­ale had an argument with his brother, sustained inju­ries and was in hospital for treatment.

Ms David also informed the court that Baledrokadroka wished to withdraw his le­gal aid counsel and engage a private lawyer to repre­sent him in court.

Justice Rajasinghe then informed the counsels that he was not in the position of changing the trial date which was fixed for March, 2019.

He told the accused to en­gage a private counsel and ensure the new counsel was present in court on the next date.

The case was adjourned to September 28 for mention before Justice Rajasinghe.

Bail for both the accused was extended.

Edited by Percy Kean