Cane cutter convicted of raping teenage girl

A 29-year-old cane cutter has been found guilty by the High Court in Labasa of two counts of raping a 17-year-old girl.

Justice Lee James Burney delivered the verdict today after finding the complainant's evidence reliable and rejecting the accused's version of events.

The court heard that the accused and the teenager were living in the same house, but in separate rooms, with other relatives at Naleba, Labasa.

The offending occurred while members of the household were asleep between October 4 and 5, 2025.

The victim, who was living with her grandmother, did not report the incidents immediately because she was afraid.

In his ruling, Justice Burney said the accused's evidence was inconsistent and unconvincing.

The judge noted that although the accused denied the allegation when questioned by the village chief, he later admitted to inappropriate gestures to the victim after his arrest.

Justice Burney said he found the victim's evidence in court to be reliable and steadfast.

The accused will return to the High Court on July 31 for sentencing.