Murder accused says he is suffering in prison as case faces further delay

A murder accused has told the court that he is suffering in prison as he continues to wait for permission to take his plea, after his case was again adjourned due to the absence of a psychiatric report.

Charles Laxton Sundar, who is accused of killing his grandfather, appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili today at the High Court in Suva.

The court was reviewing the status of his psychiatric assessment, which is required before the matter can proceed.

During the hearing, Sundar expressed frustration over repeated delays, saying he was tired of waiting and suffering while in custody.

“You guys are just doing your job; we are suffering inside the prisons,” he told the court, before asking whether he could be allowed to take his plea.

Justice Ratuvili explained that the court could not move forward without medical clearance and said it would rely on advice from doctors.

He said that, based on available medical records, Sundar was still not considered fit to take a plea.

The court heard that the matter has been adjourned several times as it awaits a psychiatric evaluation from St Giles Psychiatric Hospital.

Until the assessment is completed and submitted, the case cannot progress.

Sundar is charged with the murder of his grandfather, which allegedly occurred on July 12, 2025, at Navokadamu Settlement in Lutu, Wainibuka.

It is alleged he attacked the deceased with a cane knife, causing injuries that led to his death. The court has heard that the body was later dismembered and placed in a sack.

The case has been adjourned to May 5, pending the psychiatric report.

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