A 35-year-old alleged rapist was referred for further psychiatric evaluation after he appeared in the Suva High Court yesterday.

The accused Paula Seru appeared before Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza charged with one count of rape.

He is alleged to have raped a four-year-old child in Vanuabalavu on June 22, 2015 when he allegedly penetrated her with his finger.

Legal Aid lawyer Vani Filipe told Justice Hamza that she had accompanied the accused to the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital on January 9, 2018 for his evaluation and the doctor had scheduled another session for January 15, 2018 which he did not attend. He will have another one today.

Ms Filipe said the accused was not produced for the second session and upon enquiry she was told to acquire a court order indicating the release of the accused for more than one psychiatric session when needed.

Ms Filipe said she had made an appointment with the doctor for the accused to be examined today.

The court heard that the accused had been in custody for more than two years and had not submitted a bail application.

Justice Hamza said the court could not accept a guilty plea from the accused.

The case was adjourned to February 15 for mention and the accused was further remanded in custody.

Edited by Percy Kean

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