Riya Bhagwan 
[Photo: RIYA BHAGWAN]
The bail hearing for seven police officers charged in relation to the death of Richard Mock will be heard this Friday, after the prosecution sought additional time to file disclosures.
Six of the accused Sonal Kumar, Abdul Saiban, Owen Smith, Isikeli Nagilolevu, Ratu Peni Masara Ranamu, and Ratu Filimoni Yawayawa appeared before Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone.
The seventh accused, Fenton Thaggard, who was charged last week, initially appeared before Justice Sharma.
His matter has since been transferred to Justice Vodokisolomone, bringing all seven accused under one proceeding.
Sonal Kumar faces one count of manslaughter. It is alleged that between 16 and 17 January last year, he and another person assaulted Mock, resulting in his death.
Abdul Saiban is charged with one count of accessory after the fact to manslaughter. Prosecutors allege he assisted Thaggard and Kumar, knowing they were involved in an offence against Mock, in an attempt to help them evade punishment.
Meanwhile, Owen Smith, Isikeli Nagilolevu, Ratu Peni Masara Ranamu and Ratu Filimoni Yawayawa are each charged with one count of manslaughter arising from an alleged breach of duty.
It is alleged they failed to exercise due care and attention, which led to Mock’s death.
Mock’s body was discovered in a vacant lot in Nasau, Nadi in January last year.
The matter has been adjourned to this Friday for the bail hearing.
