Court gives Maharaj deadline to justify repeated bail breaches

The Suva Magistrate Court has given drug accused Zoe Moore Maharaj until Friday to produce documents supporting her explanation for repeatedly breaching her bail conditions.

Maharaj appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne today on charges of breaching bail conditions imposed in 2019 while she was awaiting trial in an earlier drug-related case.

The court heard she allegedly failed to report to Raiwaqa Police Station on four occasions between September 2019 and January 2020, despite being required to do so under her bail conditions.

Defence lawyer Mesake Waqavanua told the court Maharaj had travelled to Sigatoka because of financial difficulties, making it difficult for her to report to Raiwaqa Police Station.

He said the defence was still trying to obtain supporting documents, including references and other records.

Magistrate Somaratne told the defence it must provide evidence explaining why Maharaj failed to report to Raiwaqa Police Station, whether she informed the court of her change of address, and whether medical or other documents supported her explanation.

Meanwhile, Maharaj told the court she had suffered an injury in 2019 and claimed she had informed the court at the time.

She also said she attempted to report at a police station in Sigatoka but was not allowed to sign because it was not her designated reporting station.

The matter has been adjourned until July 10.