Murder accused and former Fiji Corrections Service officer Epeli Laqeni appeared in the Suva High Court this morning.

Laqeni is charged with allegedly murdering his de-facto partner in Nakasi between 3rd and 5th September last year.

Defence counsel Timoci Varinava has filed an application seeking the Fiji Corrections Service’s Standard Operating Procedure.

The defence says the SOP is relevant to show that Laqeni was not at work on the day after the alleged incident, but was instead at a hospital.

The State is opposing the defence’s request for the document.

Judge, Justice Usaia Ratuvili has given the defence 14 days to file its motion, while the State has been directed to file an affidavit in reply.

The motion will be heard on the 15th of September.