IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
AT SUVA
MISCELLANEOUS JURISDICTION

MISCELLANEOUS ACTION NO: HAM0047 OF 2003S

Between:

STATE
Applicant

And:

SEREMAIA BALELALA
Respondent

Counsel: Mr. N. Lajendra for State
Respondent in Person

Hearing: 4th December 2003
Ruling: 4th December 2003

RULING

The accused is now convicted on 3 counts of rape and 1 count of Wrongful Confinement.  A custodial sentence according to sentencing authorities is likely.  The presumption in favour of bail is rebutted in the case of a convicted offender.  In this case it is in the public interest to hold the accused in remand until he is sentenced on the 23rd of December 2003.

Bail is refused.

Nazhat Shameem
JUDGE

At Suva
4th December 2003