Sexual assault accused denies allegations involving cabin crew member

A 25-year-old man charged with sexual assault and rape has denied the allegations before the Lautoka High Court.

Ilaisa Tanoa Degei of Nasama Village in Navosa appeared before Justice Sunil Sharma charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of rape.

It is alleged Degei sexually assaulted and raped an airline cabin crew member after transporting her following New Year celebrations at a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi, on December 31, 2024.

The State is represented by Joeli Naivalu.

The prosecution outlined the complainant’s movements on December 31, stating she arrived in Nadi as a flight attendant before socialising with colleagues.

Mr Naivalu said the complainant drank at a hotel bar before later going clubbing at Bar One nightclub in Martintar, where she became intoxicated and separated from her group before meeting the accused.

The prosecution alleged the accused insisted on accompanying the complainant back to her hotel. During the taxi ride, the complainant was allegedly crying and resisting.

The court heard the taxi driver later reported the matter to Namaka Police Station, leading to the accused’s arrest at the hotel entrance.

The prosecution also relied on medical evidence, including bruising to the complainant’s breast, in support of the sexual assault charge.

Both parties agreed on several facts, including the identities of the complainant and accused, that they knew each other, and that they travelled together in a taxi.

The prosecution filed an agreed facts document and a pre-trial conference checklist, identifying the main issues for trial as whether the alleged acts occurred and whether there was consent.

The prosecution said it intended to call three to four witnesses, including the complainant and the accused.

The defence denied the charges and confirmed the accused was with the complainant on the night, but claimed she had invited him to her hotel.

Defence counsel said the accused met the complainant at a nightclub in Nadi and was invited by her to accompany her to the hotel.

The defence intends to call two witnesses in addition to the accused if the matter proceeds to trial.

The defence also objected to the prosecution’s request for the complainant to testify via Skype, arguing she was not a vulnerable witness and should appear in person.

An objection was also raised to the prosecution’s request for closed court proceedings.

The prosecution told the court the complainant had lost her job and experienced mental health difficulties, including psychiatric hospitalisation and suicide attempts.

Mr Naivalu said the complainant was reluctant to return to Fiji because of trauma, prompting the application for remote testimony.

Justice Sharma said that unless formal medical documentation was provided, the complainant would be expected to attend court in person. However, the prosecution may file an application if circumstances change.

The court declined to order closed court proceedings at this stage, noting the complainant had not been classified as a vulnerable witness.

The matter was adjourned to August 14 for mention to address any outstanding issues before trial.

Trial has been set for September 7.