The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office has conceded that electronic devices belonging to Former Journalist Charlie Charters should have been released immediately after the High Court granted a stay in proceedings against him.

This was heard in the High Court during an application by Charters against the Commissioner of Police seeking the return of his devices and other personal property.

The matter was called before Judge, Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu this morning.

Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva told the court that after discussions with the police, the DPP’s Office acknowledged that the continued retention of Charters devices was not proper.

The court heard that the stay granted by the High Court should have brought the proceedings to an end, with any orders including the release of exhibits and property belonging to Charters.

Tikoisuva also acknowledged concerns over the manner in which the devices had been handled and retained.

She told the court that no extraction had been carried out from the devices, and agreed that they should now be released.

Tikoisuva told the court that police did not release the devices as FICAC has transferred the matter to police prosecution.

However, she says the ODPP has not agreed for the case to be transferred.

Charter’s lawyer Juleen Fatiaki informed the court that they will not be pursuing cost and thanked the Acting DPP for her assistance.