64-year-old man pleads guilty to rape

A 64-year-old man who pleaded guilty to raping a 14-year-old will be sentenced on September 13 by the Suva High Court.

The accused who is charged with one count of rape and a count of sexual assault was further remanded by High Court Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza on Friday.

He had however pleaded not guilty to the count of sexual assault for which he will be tried in court.

Defence Counsel Anil Chand sought time to respond to the agreed facts on the charge of sexual assault.

Mr Chand had also made bail application for his client however, Justice Hamza said he would give his ruling on the bail on the date of sentencing since the accused had already pleaded guilty.

Alleged rapist bailed

In another case, before Justice Hamza, a 21-year-old who was charged with rape was granted bail on Friday.

The accused, Paula Navokula who is from Namosi had allegedly raped a 25-year-old woman.

He had pleaded not guilty to his charge.

Justice Hamza also revealed that the accused had no domestic relationship with the victim.

Therefore, Navokula was granted bail of $1000 with two sureties.

He was told to report to the Vunidawa Police Station every second and fourth Saturday and to reside at the same address as long as his case was before the court.

He will reappear in court on September 11.

Five-year-old boy allegedly raped in Nausori

Another man was further remanded by Justice Hamza on Friday for allegedly raping a five-year-old boy in Nausori earlier this year.

He will reappear in court on September 11 to take his plea.

Reports by ARISHMA DEVI-NARAYAN

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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