A Suva woman yesterday appeared at the Magistrates Court in Suva charged with multiple criminal offences.

Sharon Rehnuma Begum appeared before Magistrate Waleen George.

She is charged with one count each of personation, of criminal trespass, of theft and of unlawful possession of illicit drugs.

For the offence of personation, it is alleged that on April 30, 2019, at Suva, Begum with intent to falsely represent herself as Shareen Lateef by producing an Australian driving licence belonging to Shareen Lateef.

For the offence of criminal trespass, it is alleged that on May 1, 2019, at Suva, Begum unlawfully entered Lateef and Lateef Lawyers office, the property of Lateef and Lateef lawyers.

For the offence of theft, it is alleged that on May 1, 2019, at Suva, Begum dishonestly appropriated one Westpac cheque in the amount of $89,780, and one ANZ cheque in the amount of $11,500, the total value of $101,280, with intent to permanently deprive the property of Lateef and Lateef Lawyers.

For the offence of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, it is alleged that on May 1, 2019, at Suva, Begum was found in possession of 2.62 grams of illicit drugs namely methamphetamine.

The charges were read to the accused and she indicated that she understood them.

Police prosecutor Constable Walter Taito objected to bail for the accused because she had a pending matter in the Magistrates Court.

Defence lawyer Gavin O’Driscoll told the court that his client was kept in the custody since Wednesday and it was more than 48 hours before she was produced in court.

Magistrate George said the accused had been in custody for more than 48 hours, which was not acceptable.

She said a person could only be kept in custody for more than 48 hours if the allegation he or she was very serious.

Magistrate George granted bail to the accused on strict bail conditions and bail bond of $500 each for two sureties.

She issued a stop departure order and told the accused to surrender her passport.

Magistrate George had reminded the accused not to reoffend while on bail and to keep out of trouble.

She also ordered the accused to report to Samabula Police Station every last Saturday of the month between 6am and 6pm.

The matter was adjourned to May 22 for plea.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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