There was a heated exchange of words between Suva Magistrate Aruna Prasad and lawyer Tevita Fa after the senior lawyer could not hold back his emotions while raising concerns over police officers changing their statements.

Despite continuous warnings by Magistrate Prasad, Fa continued to raise his voice and even went to the extent of alleging that she is and we quote " seem to be leaning towards the other side" end of quote.

Magistrate Prasad warned Tevita Fa not to proceed any further with alleging that the court is biased and warned him not to conduct himself in a manner unbecoming of a senior lawyer.

Fa tried to calm himself down and raised concerns that all he is trying to do is establish why the police officers are changing their statements, which the court must take note of.

Fa was representing the owner of the Birdland nightclub who is charged with allegedly contravening the requirements of his nightclub license after his club was allegedly found selling liquor after 12am on Sunday April 8th 2007.

However, the investigating officer’s in-trial statement contradicted the sworn evidence he gave in court after claiming that he saw alcohol being sold. Another police officer who was at the scene said he did not see any sale of liquor but also contradicted himself in details on what transpired that morning.

The investigating officer also admitted that he did not see it fit to take statements from the barmen who were serving the patrons or any person who was there at the time. The nightclub owner was away overseas during the time of the offence and was charged only when he returned.

Magistrate Prasad will deliver a ruling on January 23rd.