The two drivers charged in relation to the fatal Lakena bus accident were yesterday remanded in custody by the Nausori Magistrates Court.

They are private vehicle driver Eremasi Tikomailautoka, 36, from Naisaumua Village, Tailevu, and bus driver Shalen Jattan, 46.

Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne advised Tikomailautoka to file a proper bail application this Friday.

Tikomailautoka told the court that he would be seeking Legal Aid assistance.

He has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, Jattan’s lawyer Shomal Kant of Sairav Law, filed a bail application and a ruling will be made today.

Ms Kant told the court that the accused was to be considered for bail on the grounds that he had been charged for the first time and that he had neither the intention to cause the accident, nor to drive recklessly.

Ms Kant also revealed that Jattan had been allegedly assaulted in the cell block at the courthouse by other remand prisoners.

She said Police officers then isolated him from the remand prisoners.

Prosecution objected to ]bail and said Jattan should be remanded for his own safety.

Magistrate Somaratne directed that Jattan be escorted to the Police station where he could lodge a complaint regarding the assault.

Defence also highlighted that Jattan was the sole breadwinner for his family. He is married with two children; his daughter is a tertiary student while his son helps him in farming.

“He has a clean record, of good character,” Ms Kant said of her client and she assured the court that Jattan would abide by all bail conditions the court would impose on him.

Jattan has been charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death, two counts of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving.

The Lakena accident occurred last Wednesday causing the death of two students.

Edited by Percy Kean

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