The bus driver charged in relation to the Lakena accident was granted bail by the Nausori Magistrates Court yesterday.

Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne granted Salesh Jattan bail in his own recognizance in the sum of $1000 with two sureties also in the sum of $1000.

The 46-year-old was told not to re-offend and to not interfere with prosecution witnesses. He was also told to report to the Nausori Police station every Saturday.

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.

In his ruling, Magistrate Somaratne said: “Tragedy of this magnitude where some children have died and others were injured would draw national interest as well as sympathy. But the applicant’s liberty can’t be deprived to quell public outcry.

“In this court he is presumed to be innocent until the judgment is delivered.”

Magistrate Somaratne also noted that the accused had some injuries on his body which could have been caused from the accident and he agreed with the defence lawyer that it would be better for Jattan to receive further medical treatment while staying with his family members.

The case has been adjourned to October 29.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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