A BAIL application has been lodged at the High Court for the owner of the Samlimsan logging company who is facing an attempted murder charge.
Principle Magistrate Sheppard Lapo could not hear the application on Wednesday and therefore referred the case to the High Court.
Though it was under his jurisdiction to hear the bail application, Magistrate Lapo said the case is of a very serious nature.
Pau Kiu Den was then further remanded in custody awaiting the bail hearing.
He was accused of conspiring with three locals, who allegedly attacked Rennell chief Poly Tepai at the Kingsley Food Bar at Point Cruz on 8 November 2014.
The three locals are Ben Alami, Buddley Fakani and Frank Fakani.
Mr Tepai flew in from his village into Honiara, arriving at around 10am and made his way from the airport to the Kingsley when he was attacked.
Police alleged Alami came from behind and hacked Tepai with a 60 centimetre-long knife, while he was having his meal with another Asian and a local.
He nearly lost his left hand but doctors were able to save his hand and life.
Mr Tepai had earlier told the Solomon Star he believed the attack was related to a logging dispute on his home island with Samlimsan.
Buddley Fakani has been referred to in court documents as a security officer for Samlimsan, while Frank was the driver of the get-away car.
The case will return to the Honiara Magistrates’ Court on December 10.
Wilson Rano of Rano & Company represents Den.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
