A 32-year-old dairy farmer charged with rape was granted bail yesterday in the sum of $1000 but with strict bail conditions.

Sunny Vishal Singh, facing one count of rape, appeared before Magistrate Chaitanya Lakshman in the Nausori Magistrates Court yesterday.

It is alleged that on February 28, Singh had offered a ride to the 15-year-old student and raped her. The alleged incident took place inside the vehicle of the accused at Wainibokasi, Nausori.

Police Prosecutor Constable Losalini Loloma objected to bail on the grounds that it was a matter of public interest.

Defence lawyer Shelvin Singh applied for bail on the grounds that the accused is a sole breadwinner in the family and has three young children. The accused is to report to the Valelevu Police Station every Friday between 6am and 6pm.

He was told by Magistrate Lakshman not to change his current address without the approval of court and not interfere with the witnesses.

The case has been transferred to the High Court in Suva on March 24. 

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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