The High Court in Lautoka yesterday convicted a 26-year-old man for sexual offences.

The accused, who was the de facto partner of the complainant’s mother, was facing one count of indecent assault and five counts of rape.

The complainant was 16 years old at  the the time of the offence and was a Year 10 student. The accused was 24 years of age at the time of the incidents. The offences took place at their home between October 2016, and January 2017.

For the offence of indecent assault, the accused unlawfully and indecently performed a sexual act on the complainant in October, 2016.

For the offences of rape, the accused had carnal knowledge with the complainant without her consent on five occasions between December 2016, and January 2017.

The court heard that the three assessors unanimously agreed to a guilty verdict, in respect of all six charges against the accused.

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar, while delivering his judgement, found the accused guilty as charged for all six counts of sexual offences.

He said the prosecution had satisfied the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

The man was further remanded.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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