The bail application for the alleged Arorangi fatal hit and run accused has been denied for the third time by the Criminal Court with the Crown emphasising the seriousness of the case.

Daniel Renee Junior, 24, appeared before Justice of the Peace Vania Kenning at the Criminal Court in Avarua yesterday, where he was represented by defence lawyer Mark Short.

Crown Law prosecutor Tom White opposed bail, stating that the Crown Law is still reviewing the file to see if further charges, such as manslaughter, could be laid.

The hit and run crash late last month resulted in the death of an elderly woman.

The accused has been in custody since February 1.  His second bail application, made through his defence lawyer late last week, was also denied.

Defence lawyer Short reiterated in his submissions, the same reasons behind the request for bail, the accused being the sole provider for his family, his wife and two young children.

He added that the defendant admitted he was the driver of the motorcycle, and that he (Short) was upset that his client did not stop and render assistance.

He further submitted that if the court decides against the bail, then he can liaise with the wife of the defendant on how they can manage to survive without the accused.

JP Kenning denied bail and ordered that the case be brought back on March 7, for an update from the Crown Law.

She added that she is considering the seriousness of the offence and submissions by Crown Law in making her decision.

The defendant has a criminal history of violence, dishonesty, drugs and traffic.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 28, around 8pm near the Tumunu Garden Restaurant and Bar with the accused fleeing the scene.

It was previously reported that the victim, a 68-year-old woman, was crossing the road with her relatives when she was struck by a motorcycle driven by the accused. She was pronounced dead later that night at the hospital.