A 36-year-old man from Nau­sori charged with robbery and rape has alleged that he was taken to the Naboro Maxi­mum Prison where he was alleg­edly assaulted.

Iliesa Cuanilawa appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva on Wednes­day.

He is facing one count each of ag­gravated robbery, of assault with intent to commit rape and of rape.

For the offence of aggravated rob­bery, it is alleged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori, robbed the complainant of $1000, one black Samsung mo­bile phone valued at $349, one black and silver Samsung mobile phone valued at $279, two gold chains val­ued at $600, on 9ct pendant valued at $1000, and four gold rings valued at $1000, all to the total value of ap­proximately $4228, and at the time of the alleged robbery, the accused had a knife with him and used per­sonal violence on the complainant.

For the offence of assault with intent to commit rape, it is alleged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori, as­saulted the complainant with in­tent to commit rape.

For the offence of rape, it is al­leged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori, had carnal knowledge of the com­plainant without her consent.

Cuanilawa told the court that from his last court appearance, in­stead of being taken to the Suva Re­mand Centre, he was taken to the Naboro Maximum Prison where he was kept and assaulted until Tues­day when he was brought back to the Suva Remand Centre before ap­pearing in court yesterday.

He told the court that he was not in the right state of mind and was not ready to proceed with the trial, which was set to commence next Tuesday, because he would be rep­resenting himself.

He confirmed to the court yester­day that he did not wish to engage Legal Aid Commission and wished to exercise his right to represent himself.

State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecu­tions Sheenal Swastika told the court that it would be prejudicial to proceed with the trial next Tuesday since the accused was not prepared or ready.

She told the court that the State would not object to vacate the trial dates. Justice Goundar vacated the trial dates and adjourned the mat­ter to on October 25.

Cuanilawa has been further re­manded in custody.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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