State says strong evidence in Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya's murder case

The State has told the High Court in Lautoka that it has strong evidence against a man charged with the murder of the late Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya.

Peceli Rokoravolo, 37, appeared before Justice Aruna Aluthge this morning. He is charged with one count of murder.

The court heard that between August 31 and September 1, Dr Biumaitotoya, fondly known as Leighley Darling, was allegedly murdered by Rokoravolo.

The State opposed bail for the accused.

State lawyer Joeli Naivalu told the court the prosecution had full submissions, including video footage, phone records and witness evidence from Vodafone linking the accused to the alleged crime scene through phone coordinates.

Mr Naivalu said he intended to file only a pre-trial conference checklist because the defence had previously not challenged the record of interview or digital evidence.

However, he said a recent shift in the defence’s position may require further review and potentially a voir dire hearing, depending on what the defence files.

Rokoravolo was previously represented by Unaisi Baleilevuka. Yesterday, Edwin Wainiqolo appeared for the defence.

The matter has been adjourned to March 24 for a bail hearing. The accused remains in remand.

Mr Wainiqolo indicated the defence would rely on mitigation.

The State is preparing for trial, which is scheduled for the first two weeks of July.

The case is notable for proceeding to trial within a year of the alleged incident.