Man, 21, denies Raiwaqa burglary, theft charges

A21-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty in the High Court in Suva for burglary and theft charges.

Jesoni Qoro appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar via video link conference from the Suva Remand Centre yesterday. He is charged with one count each of aggravated burglary and theft.

It is alleged that on June 10, 2018, in Raiwaqa, Qoro entered a container belonging to Rups Investment Limited as a trespasser with the intention to commit theft.

It is alleged that on June 10, 2018, in Raiwaqa, Qoro dishonestly appropriated one Boda electric drill valued at $250, one Red a Welding Plant valued at $970, one blue bolt cutter valued at $148, one chainsaw valued at $490, one set of Ratchet 32 pieces valued at $176, welding plant cable wire of 40 metres valued at $784, one red wheel barrow valued at $110 and water blaster valued at $299, all to the total value of $3227, the property of Rups Investment Limited. The defence lawyer told the court that Qoro told him another person had broken into the container and stolen the tools. Justice Goundar said when the other man had broken into the container Qoro had continued to wait for him.

The judge then asked the State counsel if the line of investigation was taken towards the other man since Qoro claimed he did not steal the items. The State counsel told the court no investigation was carried out and Justice Goundar said it should have been done. The State counsel told the court that they would rely on admissions made in the caution interview.

Qoro was remanded in custody.

The matter was adjourned to October 17 for consideration of bail.