Daniel Whippy, the managing director of Carpenters Fiji, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of counselling for the omission of an offence. This plea was made as part of a request to vary his bail conditions, allowing him to travel to the United States for a stem cell treatment.
During the court proceedings, prosecution lawyer Sera Fatafehi expressed concerns about the timing of Whippy’s application, suggesting that he could have revealed his medical condition during an earlier court appearance. She proposed that Whippy’s plea be recorded promptly along with additional conditions to ensure that the prosecution could proceed with the case should he fail to return to Fiji.
Whippy’s defense attorneys, Stanton Steven and Suruj Sharma, refuted claims of potential flight risk made by FICAC (Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption). They explained that Whippy could not secure an appointment for his visa application without having access to his passport.
Magistrate Sufia Hamza ordered that Whippy’s initial travel bond deposit of $50,000 remain with the Suva Magistrate’s Court registry. This amount was initially proposed during his first variation of bail application. Additional conditions include having two sureties bonded at $20,000 each, and the release of his passport.
Whippy is facing charges alongside former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor, who is accused of abusing his office. The charges stem from allegations that the two amended investigation findings related to a warehouse fire that occurred in April 2018. The case has been adjourned until November 19 for further discussions regarding bail variations and approval of Whippy’s visa application.
This situation highlights the challenges individuals face when navigating legal proceedings, particularly in complex cases involving health issues and potential travel. It is hopeful that a resolution will be reached that allows Mr. Whippy to seek the medical treatment he requires while also addressing legal concerns responsibly.
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