Murder accused alleges assault, poor remand conditions in bail hearing

Murder accused Peceli Rokoravolo has alleged he was assaulted by a prison officer, denied proper sleeping arrangements and provided inadequate food while being held at the Natabua Remand Centre.

Rokoravolo made the claims before Justice Aruna Aluthge in the High Court in Lautoka, where he represented himself.

He is charged with the alleged murder of Dr Biumaitotoya, also known as Dr Leighley Darling, between August 31 and September 1, last year.

During the hearing, Rokoravolo said the conditions at the remand centre formed part of the grounds for his bail application.

"There is no proper place to sleep and only one little piece of bread. At the remand centre I am not allowed to access my disclosures. I was only allowed to see my disclosures when I arrived in court this morning," he said.

Rokoravolo also alleged he was assaulted by a prison officer when he attempted to prepare his defence after informing the officer that the court had ordered he be allowed access to his disclosure documents.

Responding to the State's opposition to bail, Rokoravolo rejected claims that he would pose a threat to the LGBT community if released.

"The State said I will be a threat to the LGBT community if I am released on bail. It is the job of the Police to protect them if they say I am a threat. I have LGBT members who are part of my family and relatives," he told the court.

The accused also referred to concerns raised during previous hearings regarding community safety and allegations of hate speech.

"My grounds are the conditions at the remand centre, my family obligations and the assault I allegedly suffered while in remand," he said.

State counsel John Vaurasi told the court the prosecution required until Friday to complete and file the pre-trial conference (PTC) documents.

Mr Vaurasi also suggested the accused be legally represented. However, Rokoravolo declined the offer and elected to continue representing himself.

The court also discussed the possible involvement of Legal Aid as amicus curiae, clarifying that its role would be to assist the court rather than represent the accused.

Justice Aluthge emphasised the importance of procedural fairness and ensuring the accused's rights were protected throughout the proceedings.

A ruling on Rokoravolo's bail application is scheduled for Friday.