Bail ruling deferred after court questions evidence against footballer

A bail ruling for Nadi footballer Sahil Thomas Valentine has been deferred until the next court hearing after arguments over the admissibility and strength of the prosecution's evidence.

Valentine appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza in the High Court in Lautoka. He is accused of two counts of rape and one count of abduction involving two complainants, aged 17 and 18.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred in Nadi between May 18 and 19 after the group had allegedly been drinking together.

State counsel Shreta Prakash opposed bail, citing concerns for the complainants' safety and alleging ongoing interference.

Defence counsel Anil Prasad argued that the allegations of interference relied largely on hearsay, noting the absence of direct affidavits from either complainant or their family members.

During the hearing, the court questioned the evidentiary value of social media messages and call records. The defence argued that the material lacked dates, did not clearly identify the senders and had not been properly authenticated.

Justice Hamza said that without stronger direct evidence, the State's objections to bail could be weakened.

The judge also expressed frustration over procedural delays, including the late filing of affidavits and the prolonged processing of Criminal Records Office (CRO) checks and surety vetting.

Justice Hamza said administrative delays should not be used as grounds to deny bail and urged both parties to complete the required documentation promptly.

The matter was adjourned to allow the defence to file its affidavit and for the State to complete the outstanding CRO checks.

Valentine remains in custody pending the court's decision on bail.

Justice Hamza said a ruling would be delivered after considering the additional submissions.