Australian national, Simon McCartney who is charged with the alleged murder of his 26 year old wife, Ashika Lata has been granted bail today by Magistrate John Semisi.

While delivering his ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Semisi stressed that he is mindful that McCartney is charged with one of the most serious offences which can only be tried in the high court, however he is ultimately satisfied that there is no outstanding grounds to denied bail.

McCartney has to personally pay $5,000 as part of the bail bond while an assurity will have to pay a light sum to the court as well.

Magistrate Semisi has ordered that he also has to surrender all his travel documents and has been warned not to interfere with all the state witnesses. He has also been put on a curfew from 6am-6pm.

Magistrate Semisi also ordered that taking into consideration the concerns by the state for the safety of the accused, McCartney has to move in with his father in Veisari by 4pm today.

The case has been ajourned to 30th November for mention.