A Solomon Islands businessman Rolland Timo who was charged on one count of demanding money with menaces has been granted bail.
Timo, who stood for parliament in 2001, was released to reappear in court next month.
Solomon Islands radio says under the bail conditions Timo has to remain at his home, surrender his passport and not interfere with witnesses.
In other court news, the Guadalcanal rebel leader, Harold Keke, has been committed to stand trial in the high court.
He faces seven counts of concealing an abducted person in relation to the seven members of the Melanesian Brotherhood who were killed on the weather coast last year.
