Man, 20, in Remand for Rape, Defilement Charges
A 20-year-old man from Suva charged with rape and defilement of a minor has been further remanded in custody by the Suva Magistrates Court.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Asanga Bodaragama yesterday.
He is charged with one count of rape and five counts of defilement of young persons between 13 and 16 years of age.
It is alleged that between November 24 and December 10, 2018, the accused had carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old girl without her consent.
Police prosecutor Walter Taito served full phase disclosures to the accused.
The lawyer of the accused sought another date for the plea to be taken, but was told that rape was an indictable offence.
Magistrate Bodaragama then transferred the matter to the High Court and remanded the accused in custody.
The matter was adjourned to January 25, for first call in the High Court.
Edited by Epineri Vula
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