A former constable of the Fiji Police Drug Task Force Team, sentenced for causing the death of Josua Lalauvaki, filed an appeal against conviction and sentence.

Kelepi Duri Tautaumacala Kolinisau, 30, was jailed for five years with a non-parole period of three years and four months by the High Court in Suva on November 20, 2019.

Kolinisau assaulted Mr Lalauvaki after an altercation outside a Suva nightclub on September 2, 2018.

Mr Lalauvaki died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on October 11, 2018, as a result of injuries he suffered from the assault.

Kolinisau’s appeal case was called at the Fiji Court of Appeal before Justice Chandana Prematilaka yesterday, however, Kolinisau was not present.

The court heard that Kolinisau filed a leave to appeal, however it was out of time by six months and 23 days.

Justice Prematilaka has given time for Kolinisau’s counsel to file an extension of time and submissions by May 5.

The matter will be called on June 16 and a production order has been issued for Kolinisau to be present in court.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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