High Court remands accused in alleged attack on police officer

A man accused of attempting to murder a police officer following a high-speed chase in April will remain in custody after his lawyer told the High Court there were no plans to seek bail at this stage.

Domoniko Tabau appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere in the High Court in Suva last Friday.

Defence lawyer Simone Seruvakula told the court the defence would not pursue bail because of the serious nature of the allegations and the involvement of police officers in the case.

Tabau is charged with attempting to murder a police officer during an incident on April 26. It is alleged he was involved in a high-speed chase that ended in a crash near the Laqere checkpoint.

Several police officers and suspects were allegedly injured in the incident and later taken to hospital for treatment.

Apart from the attempted murder charge, Tabau also faces charges of serious assault and one count of going equipped with a pair of scissors and a pinch bar.

State lawyers told the court they needed more time to file disclosures relating to the case.

Seruvakula did not object to the two weeks granted by the court for disclosures to be served.

The defence also told the court more statements still needed to be gathered, as Tabau was not the only person allegedly inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Justice Tuiqereqere adjourned the matter to June 22 for further proceedings.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj