Regina v Rangi [2006] SBHC 93; HCSI-CRC 392 of 2006 (6 October 2006)

HIGH COURT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

Criminal Case No. 392 of 2006

REGINA

-v-

EZEKIEL RANGI

(Mwanesalua, J.)

Hearing: 4 October 2006
Ruling: 6 October 2006

Paul Bannister for the Crown
K. Averre for the Applicant

RULING

Mwanesalua, J: This is a bail application brought by Ezekiel Rangi after he was refused bail by the Magistrate Court. He is being kept in the Rove Prison since 29 September 2006 following his arrest in relation to alleged bribery and pervertion of the cause of justice.

The Applicant is a Prison Warder. He has been a Prison Officer for eight years. He resides with his family at the Prison Barracks at Rove. He made an under taking that he would adhere to bail conditions if he were to be released on bail. The Prosecution did not oppose bail to be granted to the Applicant.

In fact, the prosecution agreed that the Applicant be granted bail upon strict bail conditions.

I will grant bail to the Applicant upon these conditions:

1. He is not to enter Rove Prison until trial of this case.

2. He is not to communicate directly or indirectly with prosecution witnesses relating to this case, or in the case of Mr. Dausabea, or in the case of Mr. Nee.

3. He is to travel out of Honiara only with leave of this court.

4. He is to report at the Central Police Station between the hours of 8am. and 4pm. on Mondays and Fridays of each week.

5. He must not interfere with the Police Investigations.

6. He is to report at the Magistrate on 13 October 2006.

Francis Mwanesalua
Puisne Judge