A 25-year-old man alleged to have raped a five-year-old boy last year was yesterday further remanded by the Suva High Court.

The accused is alleged to have raped the boy on July 16, 2017 in Nausori.

He faces one count of rape.

Legal Aid lawyer Talei Kean said the defence was yet to receive the final agreed facts from the prosecution.

This was confirmed by State lawyer Taitusi Tuenuku who requested for another date to finalise and provide the same.

Ms Kean then informed Judge Justice RiyazHamza that the defence was ready to set a trial date as the court’s trial dates were fast filling up and the victim was of a tender age.

Mr Tuenuku said the State had already filed voir dire disclosures adding that they would need at least two weeks for trial.

Justice Hamza then set the trial date starting from May 6-17, 2019.

Both counsels also agreed to put the case in the floating list meaning the case could be taken up by Justice Hamza or any of his brother judges in the event a 2018 trial was vacated.

The accused was further remanded and the case has been adjourned to February 1 for mention.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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