A man facing multiple aggravated burglary and theft charges including jewellery, electronic gadgets and cash exceeding $23,787, was denied bail at the Labasa Magistrate’s Court last Friday.

Pelasio Seini, 40, appeared before Magistrate Bimsara Jagodage. He was charged with four counts of aggravated burglary, four counts of thefts and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. He is alleged to have broken-into four homes – at Wailevu, Tuatua, Vunika and Vunivau, last month.

Police prosecutor Corporal Rajnesh Prasad said Seini had 12 previous convictions of similar offences and did not have a fixed residential address.

Magistrate Jagodage objected to bail stating that the case was of public interest, some communities were living in fear, it was an indictable offence, full recovery hasn’t been made and Seini was likely to reoffend.

From each home, he allegedly stole jewellery, house items, assorted alcohol, electronic gadgets and cash valued at $7366, $7370, $3165 and $5286 respectively.

He said some items recovered were at Nausori Police Station and some from the Seini’s home at Vunivau, Labasa.

Pelasio Seini at the Labasa Magistrate’s Court on November 3, 2023. Photo: Shratika Naidu

Accused’s Plea

Seini opted for Legal Aid Commission representation.

While apologising in Court for his actions, he told Magistrate Jagodage that the stolen items were given to him by someone else.

He also pleaded to be released on bail.

Magistrate Jagodage refused bail on the grounds that it was an indictable offence, and he must consider the protection of the communities.

Hence, he transferred the matter to the High Court in Labasa and advised Seini to prepare his bail application and plea.

Moreover, he said the drug related case would be heard at the Labasa Magistate’s Court.

All cases adjourned to November 20.

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