3 Dec 2003

Solomon Islands minister on remand refused bail

12:06 pm on 3 December 2003

A Solomon Islands cabinet minister, Daniel Fa'afanua, has been remanded in custody for a further two weeks on seven charges, despite his wife withdrawing an assault charge.

The prosecutor opposed bail on the grounds that Fa'afanua would potentially interfere with witnesses or abscond.

Fa'afanua's lawyer said the Cabinet Minister's wife, Susan Kwaimani, had withdrawn the complaint of her own volition and had claimed she was drunk and incoherent when the complaint was made.

The magistrate David Chetwynd told the court he was more than satisfied the police and the prosecution had provide ample evidence that bail should be withheld.

Fa'afanua is to reappear on December 16th.