A well-known playwright accused of murder has withdrawn her bail request and has indicated a possible change of plea. 

Sia Figel appeared before the Supreme Court on Monday and was represented by lawyers Josephine Fuimaono Sapolu and Unasa Iuni Sapolu. 

The defence lawyers asked to withdraw an earlier bail application that had already been served and filed. 

Furthermore, she confirmed before the court after receiving instructions from Figel of the possibility of vacating her earlier not guilty plea to one of the charges before the court. 

Ms. Sapolu asked for a one-week adjournment so she could finalise instructions from her client and for the prosecution to consider the possible change in plea. 

Figel is facing one count of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, armed with a dangerous weapon and causing grievous bodily harm. 

Supreme Court Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma granted the application to withdraw the bail application. 

He also noted for the court’s record the possibility of the defendant’s change of plea and adjourned the matter to 19 August. 

There was no information about the psychiatric assessment mentioned on Monday’s proceeding as per request from the defence to allow Figel to undergo a mental health assessment. 

The hearing date was scheduled last week for March next year after Figel pleaded not guilty to all the charges against her.  She has been detained in custody since the incident in May. 

Fiegel was initially charged with manslaughter but was upgraded to murder following a preliminary investigation into the death of Prof. Gabbard who is a U.S. national. 

Gabbard, 78-year-old had her postmortem examination completed shortly after her death and was cremated followed by a family service.