Court awaits reports in manslaughter matter

The Suva High Court is preparing to set a trial date for a 21-year-old student, Aisake Lovobalavu, charged with manslaughter. The alleged incident occurred in March at Nauluvatu Settlement in Suva.

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the post-mortem report for the victim has not yet been provided by the State, while the medical certificate of death provided is not legible.

Lovobalavu's lawyer informed Justice Pita Bulanaivalu that crucial post-mortem reports are still missing from the State, and the provided medical certificate of death is illegible. The defense intends to file a voir dire application, arguing that Lovobalavu's alleged admissions to police were made under inducement and oppression.

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the defence will file a voir dire application on the grounds of inducement and oppression.

Specifically, the defense claims Lovobalavu was still intoxicated when cautioned by police, and that the caution interview was not voluntary. State Prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni assured the court that outstanding medical documents would be provided once the toxicology report is available. The court granted Lovobalavu's continued bail, adjourning the matter to July 15 for further proceedings.

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the outstanding medical documents will be provided to the defence once the toxicology report is received.