Defence lawyer says Labasa assault case is exaggerated

The lawyer representing two men charged with assaulting two youths along the Cawaira stretch in Labasa last month claims the case has been exaggerated.

Manasa Leku and Iliesa Masisiwa appeared before Magistrate Safaira Ratu yesterday for their bail hearing. They each face one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard that on November 29, the two victims had hired a private vehicle to return to their home at Malau after a family gathering. One of the victims, Epeli Asaisea, was allegedly drunk and was told by the driver to lie down in the boot area so he could sleep.

He later woke up in a secluded area, panicked and broke the back window of the vehicle. The driver then contacted the vehicle owner, who later arrived with a group of people, leading to the alleged assault.

Police prosecutor Corporal Rajnesh Prasad objected to bail, citing the risk of the accused absconding, the seriousness of the offence and the harm caused to the victim, as well as public interest.

Defence lawyer Angeline Sumer told the court the matter had been exaggerated, particularly after it was posted on Facebook.

She said the victims’ medical reports showed only minor injuries, including swelling to their faces.

Ms Sumer said her clients were willing to abide by all bail conditions, including non-interference with state witnesses, compliance with curfew, attending all court sittings and providing two sureties each.

She also assured the court the men would not interfere with the victims or their families, including through traditional reconciliation.

Corporal Prasad said there was still tension between families and villages in Malau and Natokamu, and told the court the accused had travelled from Labasa to Savusavu for massage treatment following the alleged incident.

Magistrate Ratu adjourned the matter to next Tuesday for a bail ruling. The two men remain in remand.