Whippy pleads not guilty, sureties agree on $20,000 bail – FBC News

Daniel Whippi

Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy pleaded not guilty in the Suva Magistrates Court to one count of counseling by criminal negligence.

Whippy has been charged alongside former National Fire Authority Chief John O’Connor, who faces charges of abuse of power.

The case was placed before Judge Sufia Hamza as Whippy sought a fifth bail modification to allow him to travel to the United States for knee surgery.

Earlier today, Fiji Independent Anti-Corruption Commission lawyer Sera Fatafehi ​​said that they wanted Whippy to take his defense, and if he does not return to the country, the trial will continue in absentia.

They had also offered a $20,000 surety bond as conditions of the bail modification application.

The matter, which the defense had previously suspended to decide on FICAC’s proposed condition, resumed this afternoon.

Two sureties appeared in court and accepted the $20,000 bond.

Magistrate Hamza stated that the initial deposit of 50 thousand dollars will remain in the court record.

This deposit was paid by Whippy during his first trip after being formally charged and presented to court.

Whippy’s lawyer, Suruj Sharma, stated that his client’s passport would be released as soon as possible.

While Judge Hamza allowed the release of the passport for the purpose of applying for a US visa for medical purposes, other bail-related changes were postponed until November 19 for approval of the visa application.

This matter relates to a fire at the Carpenters Fiji property located at the MH warehouse in Walubay in 2018.

It is alleged that while O’Connor was serving as Chairman of the National Fire Authority Board in the Civil Service between January 1 and September 28, 2018, he abused the power of his office and took the arbitrary action of directing officers. The NFA is directed to amend the findings in its 30 April 2018 fire investigation report to the fire that occurred at the MH Warehouse in Walu Bay on 8 April 2018, an act which prejudices the NFA’s rights for these purposes. earning.

Whippy is alleged to have advised O’Connor on the commission of the crime.