Bail has been denied for a 38-year-old man of Suva, who is charged with one count of aggravated sexual servitude and three counts of domestic trafficking in children.

Josevata Werelagi was remanded in custody by the High Court Judge, Justice Aruna Aluthge, yesterday.

Justice Aluthge had denied the accused bail after strong objections were filed by the state prosecution.

He said the bail was denied because of the seriousness of the offences and that the accused had 10 previous convictions.

The accused had also pleaded not guilty to all charges.

State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Shirley Tivau, told the court that the State had forwarded the proposed agreed facts to the defence and sought for another date to sort out the issues before the trial proper.

She also indicated to the court that the State would be relying on the caution interview.

Defence lawyer Lavenia David from the Legal Aid Commission told the court that the caution interview contained mixed statements and sought time to get instructions from her client on the same.

The matter was adjourned for mention to March 26.

The Charges:

For the first count, Werelagi is charged with aggravated sexual servitude. It is alleged that between July 18, 2015, and July 22, 2015, in Suva, Werelagi by the use of threats or force caused a 15- year-old girl to enter into or remain in sexual servitude. For the second count, Werelagi is charged with domestic trafficking in children.

It is alleged that on July 18, 2015, in Nausori, he facilitated the transportation of a 15-year-old girl from Nausori Town to Rewa Street, with intent that the girl will be used to provide sexual services.

For the third count, Werelagi is charged with domestic trafficking in children. It is alleged that on July 19, 2015, in Nausori, he facilitated the transportation of a 15-year-old girl from Waila, Nausori to Rewa Street, with the intent that the girl would be used to provide sexual services.

For the fourth count, Werelagi is charged with domestic trafficking in children.

It is alleged that on July 20, 2015, in Nausori, he facilitated the transportation of a 15-year-old girl from Waila, Nausori to Rewa Street.

And in facilitating the said transport, he had the intent that the girl would be used to provide sexual services.

Edited by Percy Kean

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