Alleged rapist,  abductor trial begins

The trial of a man charged with one count of rape and one count of abduction will begin today.

He will be appearing before the High Court in Suva Judge Justice Salesi Temo.

It is alleged that the man abducted his former de facto partner from Nausori Town and took her to Bau Road, Nausori where he allegedly raped her.

The incident took place early last year. He has been remanded in custody.

Death arsonist to be sentenced on May 2

A 50-year-old-man who pleaded guilty to the charges of manslaughter, arson and damaging property will be sentenced on the May 2.

It was alleged that Shammi Kapoor was drunk and recklessly threw a match stick on the tarpaulin in front of a house in Wailea, Vatuwaqa which caused the fire.

The fire led to the death of 17-year-old Sanesh Kumar on the February 16, 2014.

The prosecution told the court that Kapoor should be sentenced to six years.

Defence lawyer, Siddharth Nandan said that Kapoor pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial and was very co-operative with the Police during the interview.

The lawyer told the court that Kapoor has a 19-year-old physically-disadvantaged son, a wife who has cardiovascular problems and was also looking after his 75-year-old mother.

Mr Nandan said Kapoor was the sole bread-winner of his family and had been in custody for the past two years.

The defence lawyer asked the court that Kapoor should be given a suspended sentence.

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo made it clear that there were many people who have grudges against others and they can commit similar offences after getting drunk.

Justice Temo said with this in mind, he will need to consider the safety of all Fijian communities while delivering the sentence.

Kapoor was further remanded in custody.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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