Judgment On Stay Motion For Naitasiri Rugby Player In April

The High Court in Suva will deliver a judgment on April 1 on a case involving a rugby player who is seeking a permanent stay on the Magistrates Court’s criminal proceedings.

Naitasiri Under-19 rugby lock, Keresi Maya, filed a motion for a permanent stay on Thursday on the criminal proceedings against him in the Magistrates Court in Nausori. Maya is facing an assault charge.

Maya, on August 29, allegedly punched referee Peni Talemaivavalgi during a match between Naitasiri and Tailevu at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.

Maya’s lawyer, Sevuloni Valenitabua, told the court that he had filed a notice of motion, with an affidavit in support, seeking a permanent stay on the criminal proceedings because his client had been penalised by the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) with a ban of six years.

Maya is banned from all levels of rugby in Fiji and abroad for a period of six years, following the alleged assault.

Mr Valenitabua, in his application, stated that Maya was already penalised and should the proceedings in the Magistrates Court continue, and Maya was found guilty and convicted, he then would be penalised again.

The matter was called before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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