A judge in the High Court in Suva yesterday acquitted a former Police officer of rape and indecent assault. This was after several inconsistencies were recognised by the defence.

Justice Achala Wengappuli said the mother, in cross-examination, said that she had only complained of rape because their reputation was at stake, which created reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s case.

The 37-year-old man was alleged to have raped a girl in the community he was stationed in, as a special constable on February 13, 2015.

The accused had testified in court that he had a relationship with the girl for the past three months before the incident and were so close that they were in a sexual relationship.

He had also informed the court that he was not aware that the girl was 15-years-old.

The assessors had found the accused not guilty after a week’s trial.

Justice Wengappuli said: “I concur with the assessor’s opinion and acquit the accused of rape and indecent assault.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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