Former FHL CEO denied bail after conviction

Former Fijian Holdings Limited chief executive officer Mohammed Nouzab Fareed will remain in custody after the Suva Magistrate's Court refused his application for bail pending sentencing.

Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola ruled that Fareed lost his right to freedom of movement once he was found guilty and convicted on two counts of indecent assault.

The court also noted that Fareed has not filed an appeal against his conviction, leaving no legal basis to consider granting bail.

During bail submissions last week, State prosecutor Sadaf Shameem opposed the application, arguing there were no exceptional circumstances to justify Fareed's release before sentencing.

Fareed was remanded in custody last week after being convicted of two counts of indecent assault involving a junior employee in 2019.

According to the court's judgment, the complainant said Fareed hugged her without her consent during separate meetings, sniffed her and made unwanted sexual advances.

Magistrate Waqaivolavola ruled that the presumption in favour of bail no longer applied after Fareed's conviction.

Fareed will remain in custody until he returns to court on August 7 for mitigation and sentencing submissions.