A man charged with defilement and abduction was issued an interim Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) yesterday by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Appearing before Magistrate Jioji Boseiwaqa the ruling was made on the grounds that the case was a serious one.

Samuela Siganisucu is charged with one count of defilement and one count of abduction. The charges were read out to him and he indicated that he understood them.

The court heard that between January 30 and February 16 this year, Siganisucu allegedly tried to defile a girl who was under the age of 16 years.

On the second count, it is alleged that on the same period, Siganisucu allegedly abducted the girl without the permission of her grandmother who was looking after her. Siganisucu disputed this in court saying that the victim had told him that she was 18 years old.

Magistrate Boseiwaqa advised Siganisucu that his argument could be used for his defence. Siganisucu then waived his right to a lawyer and told the court he would represent himself. The prosecution objected to bail citing that the victim was still young.

Magistrate Boseiwaqa ordered that the accused would be further remanded in custody for the protection of the community, and in Siganisucu’s interest, in case there would be any retaliation.

The case has been adjourned to April 11 for hearing.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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