Drug accused denies absconding bail charge

Drug accused Zoe Maharaj Moore has pleaded not guilty to a charge of absconding bail in the Suva Magistrate Court.

Ms Moore appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne yesterday, where July 22 was set as the hearing date.

The court heard that the prosecution intends to call three police officers as witnesses.

During proceedings, the defence confirmed it would not challenge Ms Moore's caution interview.

The court was told that Ms Moore had previously stated she was at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on the day she allegedly failed to appear in court.

However, Magistrate Somaratne said Ms Moore was required to appear before the court and not at another government office.

Ms Moore was remanded in custody until the hearing date, subject to any bail applications or orders made in other matters before the courts.

In a separate bail-related matter, defence counsel sought additional time to obtain medical and police records to support mitigation submissions, arguing that some records may assist in explaining previous breaches of bail conditions.

The matter was adjourned to June 24 for final mitigation.