Drug accused pleads guilty to bail breaches

Drug accused Zoe Maharaj Moore has pleaded guilty to four counts relating to breaches of her bail conditions in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday.

Her lawyer, Mesake Waqavanua, informed the court that the defence was changing its earlier position, with Moore indicating her intention to change her plea.

The matter was heard before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne, where Moore pleaded guilty to all four counts stemming from breaches committed in 2019 while she was on bail awaiting trial for an earlier drug-related matter.

The court heard that Moore voluntarily changed her plea after confirming she understood the allegations and was acting of her own free will.

Moore had been granted bail with strict conditions, including orders to report to Raiwaqa Police Station on specified dates. However, she failed to report on several occasions.

During a police interview, Moore provided explanations for her non-compliance, claiming at one stage that the police station was too crowded and on other occasions that she was in Sigatoka and unable to return.

Magistrate Somaratne questioned why Moore had travelled to Sigatoka when her bail conditions required her to remain in Suva.

In response, Mr Waqavanua told the court that Moore had been dealing with an abusive husband, which affected her movements and living arrangements.

Magistrate Somaratne stressed that any change in residence or circumstances should have been formally brought before the court prior to breaching bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to April 21 for further proceedings. Moore remains remanded in custody.

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