A former secondary school teacher charged with one count of rape walked out of High Court of Labasa a free man yesterday after his case was terminated.

Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer, Amelia Vavadakua, filed a nolle prosequi in court.

The charge was dismissed and Avinesh Kumar of Bulileka, Labasa, was discharged.

The 39-year-old father of two children appeared before Justice Achala Wengappulli.

He was represented by private lawyer Jiten Reddy.

It was alleged that in March last year, Mr Kumar raped his former student.

Mr Kumar told Fiji Sun that he was ashamed about the allegation and thus to save the reputation of the school, community and the Ministry of Education, he resigned.

“Today I am a very happy man and I thank God for serving justice,” Mr Kumar said.

“It is unfortunate that I will not be able to work like I used to do before.

“Nevertheless, I am thankful that I no longer have to live with the shame.”

Mr Reddy said justice had finally prevailed although a lot of character damage had been done to his client.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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