A man who is alleged to have set fire at the Saint Giles Hospital last month, has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Suva.

Vereamu Navuso appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe yesterday. Navuso is charged with one count each of arson and acts with intent to cause grievous harm.

It is alleged that on February 4, 2021, at Suva, Navuso wilfully and unlawfully set fire to Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital.

It is also alleged that on the same day, Navuso, with intent to cause grievous harm, unlawfully wounded a staff nurse with a burnt beer bottle with kerosene.

State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shirley Tivao told the court that the State was seeking an order from the court to have a psychiatric evaluation conducted.

She told the court that as per the witness statement, it was indicated that the accused was discharged from Saint Giles Hospital prior to the incident.

Ms Tivao has been given time until March 24 to obtain the psychiatric evaluation report and finalise the charges against the accused.

The matter will be called for mention on the same day.

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj