A former corrections officer charged with the murder of his de facto partner has been granted a variation to his bail conditions after undergoing surgery.

Epeli Laqeni, who is currently wheelchair-bound and recovering from a recent operation, is charged with one count of murder.

He is alleged to have killed his de facto partner at Nakasi in September last year.

The matter was called before High Court Judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili today, however Laqeni’s appearance was excused due to his medical condition.

The court had granted him bail to allow him to undergo urgent corrective surgery to help him walk again.

Senior Legal Aid lawyer Timoci Varinava informed the court that Laqeni had recently undergone surgery and was in recovery.

Justice Ratuvili also approved a variation to Laqeni’s bail conditions, allowing him to report to the nearest police station once a month instead of the previous requirement of reporting weekly.

State prosecutor Naazish Ali told the court that agreed facts in the matter had been finalised.

The court also heard discussions regarding additional disclosures sought by the defence, including standard operating procedures for corrections officers.

Justice Ratuvili directed the defence to first ascertain whether the requested documents are publicly available.

The matter has been adjourned to the 21st of next month.