Remand centre not a hotel, judge tells murder accused

Inmates at remand centres have been reminded that the facility is not a hotel, and they should not expect tourist-like treatment.

High Court Acting Puisne Judge, Justice Warleen George, made the remark during a bail application hearing for a former corrections officer facing a murder charge.

Epeli Leqani, who is charged with allegedly killing his de facto partner at their home in Nakasi in early September, appeared with his Legal Aid lawyer, Timoci Varinava, for his bail application.

Leqani was carried into court by two police officers this morning and sat outside the accused box when his case was called.

During the proceedings, Mr Varinava told the court that Leqani had open wounds on both legs and that the Suva Remand Centre was not equipped to accommodate his medical condition.

He argued that his client had been crawling around the facility and, despite notifying officers, no wheelchair had been provided.

Mr Varinava also raised concerns about reports of rising HIV cases at the centre, stating that Leqani’s open wounds were exposed to risk, as HIV could be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids.

Justice George responded sternly, asking the defence whether these concerns had been communicated to the remand centre officers.

She stressed that the court was not a mouthpiece for petty issues that could be resolved through proper communication.

Justice George added that HIV had long been a concern at the remand centre and was not a new issue.

“The remand centre is not supposed to be Holiday Inn or Grand Pacific Hotel where you cry about every little thing; it's meant to be like that,” Justice George told the accused.

The case was adjourned to November 7 for the filing of a response to Leqani’s bail application.