He fronted court yesterday for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl

A bus driver who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl appeared yesterday at the Nasinu Magistrates Court.

The accused, Sanjay Naidu, 34, charged with one count of rape, appeared before Magistrate Charles Ratakele.

It is alleged that on November 12, 2016, at Nasinu, Naidu had unlawful carnal knowledge with a 12-year-old girl.

The alleged offence took place while the driver was on his last trip and had committed the offence at one of the bus stops along Princes Road.

The girl had boarded the bus from Nausori and fell asleep on the way, missing her stop.

It is alleged that the accused made no attempt to wake the girl up.

Defence lawyer, Jiten Reddy, also told the court that if the prosecution was unprepared, then they should not have charged his client because this was prejudicial to his liberties.

Mr Reddy said this after the prosecution failed to reply to his bail application that was filed in court last Friday.

He further said the court registry should have issued the application to the prosecution.

Naidu has been remanded in custody until tomorrow for a decision on his bail application.

Edited by Caroline  Ratucadra

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