Court varies bail as murder accused recovers from surgery

A former corrections officer charged with murder has had his bail conditions eased by the High Court in Suva as he continues to recover from surgery.

Epeli Laqeni, who is wheelchair-bound following the operation, faces one count of murder in relation to the alleged killing of his de facto partner in Nakasi in September last year.

The matter was called before Justice Usaia Ratuvili, but Laqeni did not attend court because of his medical condition.

The court was informed that he remains in recovery after undergoing surgery aimed at improving his mobility.

Senior Legal Aid lawyer Timoci Varinava told the court that the accused had recently undergone the procedure and was still recuperating.

Justice Ratuvili approved a variation to the accused's bail conditions, reducing his reporting requirement from weekly to once a month because of his health circumstances.

State prosecutor Naazish Ali advised the court that agreed facts in the case had already been settled.

The court also heard that the defence was pursuing further disclosure, including standard operating procedures relating to corrections officers.

Justice Ratuvili directed the defence to first establish whether the requested material was publicly accessible.

The matter has been adjourned to July 21.