The Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday granted a $500 surety bond bail to a 45-year-old bus driver under strict conditions.

The accused, Aneesh Chand, of Sabeto appeared before Magistrate Peni Dalituicama charged with one count of dangerous driving occasioning death and one count of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He was represented by defence lawyer Shalvin Nand of Fazilat Shah Legal while Police prosecution Inspector Parmesh Chand represented the state.

The accused was driving a bus in Carreras, Votualevu, when it veered off the road and plunged down the slope, and only came to a halt when it hit a tree.

A 24-year-old woman, who was a passenger, died at the scene, and other passengers were taken to hospital.

The court heard that the accused is a first offender.

Magistrate Dalituicama issued a stop departure notice and the accused’s passport to be surrendered.

Because the accused did not have a passport, Magistrate Dalituicama ordered the accused to be placed on curfew from 6pm to 6am, and on Saturday he is to visit Sabeto Police Station from 9am – 12pm.

The matter is adjourned to March 31.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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