Footballer denied bail over alleged rape of two teenagers

A Nadi footballer accused of raping two teenage girls was denied bail by the Nadi Magistrate Court today.

Sahil Thomas Valentine appeared before Magistrate Talei Kean facing two counts of rape and one count of abduction involving two women 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.

Police alleged Valentine raped both women during the incident.

He is also accused of abducting the 17-year-old with intent to have carnal knowledge.

The court heard the teenager was allegedly taken against the will of her mother.

Police prosecutors objected to bail, saying the charges were serious in nature.

The prosecution submitted the accused could interfere with the alleged victims or reoffend if released.

The State also raised concerns involving drugs and requested the matter be transferred to the High Court in Lautoka.

Defence lawyer Ashneil Nadan of Neel Shivam Lawyers argued there was no evidence before the court that the accused was under the influence of drugs and no test had been conducted to support the allegation.

The defence also argued there was no evidence Valentine would reoffend or interfere with witnesses if granted bail.

The court heard the accused voluntarily surrendered to Police, cooperated fully with investigators and had no previous criminal record.

Strict bail conditions, including surrender of passport, cash bail and sureties, were proposed by the defence.

The defence further submitted the gathering was voluntary and that no force or threats were used.

It also stated the matter was reported to Police by the mother of the 17-year-old two days after the alleged incident and not by the complainants, which the defence argued suggested the acts were consensual.

However, Magistrate Kean refused bail and remanded Valentine in custody, citing the seriousness of the allegations, the age of the complainants and claims involving drugs.

The matter was transferred to the High Court in Lautoka and adjourned to June 2.