Ratoto charged with manslaughter appears in court, further remanded

Viliame Ratoto who is alleged to have caused the death of two women appeared in the Suva High Court today.

Ratoto is charged with 2 counts of manslaughter, 1 count of breach of zero alcohol limit and one count of disobedience of lawful orders.

On the first count of manslaughter, it is alleged that on September 16th the accused drove in a manner which was reckless and caused serious harm to Archana Amrita Chand which resulted in her death.

For the second count, on the same day Ratoto allegedly drove the vehicle along Kanace Road in Valelevu in a manner which was dangerous to the public and as a result caused bodily injuries to Anjula Chand which resulted in her death.

He is also alleged to have caused bodily injuries to Privasinal Chand.

Ratoto allegedly had a concentration of 156.2 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of his blood which was in excess of the prescribed limit.

The defense lawyer has withdrawn today saying the accused has engaged a private lawyer.

The prosecution lawyer informed court that the information and disclosures will be filed today.

The case has been adjourned to the 29th of this month and the accused has been remanded in custody.