High Court Denies Bail to Farmer in Alison Supermarket Robbery Case
A farmer, Leone Lesumailepanoni, charged with four counts of aggravated robbery in connection with the Alison Supermarket raid at Laucala Beach Estate near Suva, has been denied bail by High Court Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on July 24. The decision cited a strong risk he will not return to court if released and the seriousness of the offences.
The December 2 incident allegedly involved three men tying up a taxi driver and leaving him in the vehicle’s boot, then threatening supermarket staff and shoppers with cane knives. Authorities say a customer and another person were robbed of sums totaling about $24,000 from cash, with an additional $100 taken, and the supermarket itself was robbed of about $1,650.35.
Lesumailepanoni had argued for bail to care for his family and on health grounds, claiming the remand centre conditions were unsafe. Prosecutors opposed the bail application, arguing the accused’s likelihood of non‑appearance, the gravity of the charges, the public interest, and community safety weighed against bail.
Justice Rajasinghe noted that the accused faces serious offences and has a pending matter in the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court for allegedly escaping from lawful custody. He also highlighted an adverse record, noting the defendant has 10 previous convictions, two of them within the last decade. The judge concluded there were substantial grounds to believe the accused might commit offences if released on bail or abscond from court.
The case was adjourned to August 13 for a pretrial conference. Ongoing proceedings have included multiple bail applications and pretrial steps, with defense counsel from the Legal Aid Commission and the state’s prosecutor continuing to prepare for trial. Community safety considerations and the handling of evidence, such as CCTV footage and witness testimony, remain central to the case as it advances.
Commentary and context from related reporting emphasize the broader concern over violent crime in commercial areas and the importance of robust security measures to protect customers and staff, as the legal process seeks accountability and justice for those affected.
Summary: A High Court judge refused bail for Leone Lesumailepanoni in connection with a December supermarket robbery near Suva, citing risk of non‑appearance and safety concerns. The case continues with a pretrial conference set for August 13, underscoring ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and public safety. There is cautious optimism that due process will lead to a just outcome for victims and the broader community.
Leave a comment