29 Year Old Man Pleads Not Guilty To A Charge Of Rape In Suva

A 29-year-old man yesterday pleaded not guilty to sexual offences, however, he pleaded guilty to giving false information to a public servant and escape from lawful custody.

Wise Ezekiel Lagilevu is charged with one count each of rape, of giving false information to a public servant and of escaping from lawful custody.

He appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.

It is alleged that Lagilevu on December 13, 2018, in Waimanu Road, in Suva, raped the 20-year-old complainant.

Lagilevu is also alleged to have given false information by  identifying himself as Isaac Nacagilevu to a public servant during his formal caution interview.

It is also alleged that on December 15, 2018, in Suva, Lagielvu escaped from lawful custody.

The prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Shirley Tivao, told the court that the accused had entered his plea on the last occasion.

However, because he had no legal representation, the court did not consider his plea and advised him to seek legal assistance.

Defence lawyer Namrata Mishra told the court that the accused maintained his plea.

The matter was adjourned for a pre-trial conference to August 30.

Lagilevu was further remanded in custody.

Edited by Percy Kean

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