Court bails islander accused of sexually harassing nurse

The Suva Magistrate Court has granted bail for the 23-year-old man charged for sexually harass­ing a nurse and assaulting a Doctor at the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre last Decem­ber. Senikarawa Kotobalavu made his first appearance around midday on Friday be­fore Magistrate Aisea Paka charged with count of sexual assault and criminal in­timidation.

This case is related to the incident of De­cember 30, 2025, where Kotobalavu, while drunk in Nukuni village, Ono-I-Lau al­legedly kissed the female staff nurse's neck without her consent.

It was alleged that on the same day, he trespassed into the health centre and tried to get a methylated spirit from the Pharmacy.

Police prosecution had initially objected to Kotobalavu's bail on the basis that the offense was an indictable one and that if he was found guilty, could be looking at 14 years imprisonment.

The court noted that although the mat­ter was an indictable offense, it did not amount to a serious case.

Suva lawyer, Barbara Malimali and Samuela Savu appeared on Friday for the case, with Mr Savu presenting the case.

Mr Savu argued in court that their client had no previous convictions and that he had remained silent throughout his cau­tion interview.

He told the court they would be chal­lenging the charge as the offense did not amount to anything serious.

He argued Kotobalavu was the oldest of four siblings who were still in school and was the sole breadwinner. His farming is what sustains the family and works to provide for their family and education of his siblings.

Mr Savu also added that Kotobalavu was the only carer for his old-aged grandfa­ther who is partially blind.

He said they were willing to abide by any conditions set by the court and was willing to remain in Suva to attend all his court proceedings.

Defence presented two sureties for his case including an aunt who is a retired bank worker and an uncle who is a Re­public of the Military Forces (RFMF) sol­dier.

He was bailed on a $500 non cash bail and strict bail conditions including:

• Remaining in a fixed address at Na­kasi with his uncle;
• Not to reoffend while on bail;
• Not to interfere with State witnesses; and
• Not to leave Fiji until the proceeding is completed.

As of now, the court has allowed De­fense a longer adjournment date to allow them to peruse the disclosures before tak­ing a plea.

The matter was adjourned to February 10.