A JAPANESE tourist who was allegedly assaulted by a Taveuni man was airlifted off the island yesterday for further medical checks at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Akira Nagata, 37, has been hospitalised since he was kicked, punched and beaten up by his sightseeing guide last Saturday.
According to Waiyevo Hospital staff, Mr Nagata was flown out on the first flight yesterday.
Police public relations officer Atunaisa Sokomuri said Mr Nagata's condition has improved.
"He has been able to walk around but the doctors feel he needs to have a more thorough medical check before he's released from hospital," Mr Sokomuri said.
He was not able to confirm if Mr Nagata was admitted at the CWM Hospital.
A check with the Men's Medical and Surgical wards revealed Mr Nagata was not an inpatient.
Meanwhile his alleged assailant, Savenaca Seniloli, 33. appeared before the Labasa court late Thursday afternoon.
Court proceedings were conducted through correspondence.
The police prosecution faxed over an application for Seniloli's remand to Magistrate Anare Tuilevuka who is attending the magistrates' conference.
Their grounds for seeking further remand was that Seniloli had allegedly committed a serious offence and would most likely interfere with witnesses and jump bail.
However, Magistrate Tuilevuka, in a ruling read out by court registrar Akanisi Vuetanavanua, stated the prosecution had not come up with evidence to show Seniloli would not reappear at his next court date.
Mr Tuilevuka subsequently granted Seniloli bail to reappear in court on December 16.
