The defence in the case involving Suva Lawyer Tanya Waqanika has confirmed it will not challenge a caution interview the State intends to rely on during trial proceedings.

The matter was called before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrates Court this morning. 

FICAC informed the court that pre-trial conference documents, including proposed agreed facts was sent to defence yesterday. 

FICAC confirmed there were portions in the caution interview that amounted to admissions touching on elements of the alleged offence.

The State intended to rely on those admissions during trial.

The court clarified the interview would, for now, be referred to as an alleged confession.

The prosecution also confirmed that a video-recorded interview and transcript had been served on the defence along with other disclosure materials in the State’s possession.

Waqanika’s lawyer, Barbara Malimal confirmed there would be no objection to the State relying on the caution interview.

The defence argued the alleged admissions were limited to acknowledgements of board membership and did not amount to a confession.

Malimali tod the court that they had only received the proposed agreed facts the previous night and required more time to review the material with her client.

Magistrate Prasad the defence 14 days to go through the documents and work on the proposed agreed facts before the next court appearance.

The matter has been adjourned to the 16th of June for the court to set the trial date.