High Court rejects Lateef’s bail pending appeal

Former Suva lawyer Shazran Abdul Lateef will remain in custody after the High Court dismissed his application for bail pending appeal.

Lateef appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu at the High Court in Suva this morning, where the judge delivered the ruling and rejected his bid for release while he challenges his conviction and sentence.

Lateef is appealing his conviction and 44-month prison sentence for the unlawful possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

During the hearing, State lawyer Shaheen Bibi argued that the sentence imposed was neither harsh nor excessive, noting that Lateef had been convicted on two separate charges.

Lateef is serving a prison term of three years and eight months after he was found in possession of 9.5 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of marijuana.

The appeal was adjourned to July 10, when the High Court is expected to hear arguments on his conviction and sentence.