The Suva High court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar today refused a bail application made by a man who according to Justice Goundar had lied to the court to secure a bail.

Leone Lautabui and two others were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002 on the charges of murder and attempted murder but in March 2009 the Supreme Court quashed the convictions and had ordered a retrial and the three accused were released from prison.

However, when the case was called again this year, Lautabui failed to appear for the case several times.

Lautabui made a bail application and informed the court that he has enrolled in law courses at USP and was doing his exams therefore he was not able to attend court.

The court was informed in writing that there was no record of Lautabui sitting for his exam on June 16th this year.

Judge Goundar said Lautabui attempted to mislead the court by justifying his absence saying that he was doing an exam and that he had lied to the court to secure bail.

On these ground, the bail was refused.

Lautabui and three others were alleged to have gunned down a soldier and a policeman in August 2000.

Story by: Praneeta Deo