Police oppose bail for Rewa footballer

Police have opposed bail for Rewa footballer Merrill Nand, citing concerns about possible witness interference and the risk of him leaving the country while facing sexual offence charges.

Nand appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad today at the Suva Magistrate Court, where the court heard submissions on his bail application.

Police prosecutor Inspector Jone Tupua maintained the objection to bail, raising concerns about the safety of witnesses and the risk of Nand leaving the country while the case remains before the court.

Defence lawyer Jitendra Reddy argued that strict bail conditions, including the surrender of travel documents and a prohibition on contacting witnesses, would address those concerns.

Nand is accused of three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault arising from alleged incidents last year.

Magistrate Prasad is expected to deliver his ruling tomorrow afternoon.