The Fiji Court of Appeal has rejected an application by Prisoner Pita Matai for bail pending appeal.

Matai was convicted for being an accessory in the murder of Tevita Malasebe in Valelevu Police station in June last year and was sentenced to two years imprisonment by Justice Nazhat Shameem.

Fiji Court of Appeal Judge Justice Jocelyne Scutt while delivering her ruling said she is not satisfied with the arguable points presented by Matai.

Justice Scutt than further said the court is mindful also of the seriousness of the offence of which Matai had been convicted and it is not the sentence minus remissions that is to be taken into account in an application for bail pending appeal, but the total sentence imposed by the Court.

Justice Scutt than finally said sentiment should not, in any event sway this court or dictate the outcome of an application for bail.

That application comes just before the break for the festive season cannot override the principles set down in the authorities applicable in Fiji.