'This is not a laughing matter', Judge scolds sexual offence accused

A High Court judge in Lautoka has reprimanded a man charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault after he laughed in court while the charges were being read.

James Robert Moore appeared before High Court judge Justice Riyaz Hamza today, where he was reminded of the seriousness of the allegations against him.

During proceedings, Moore laughed as the court clerk read the charges, prompting Justice Hamza to intervene.

“This is not a laughing matter. These are serious charges against you. There is a way that you can defend it, but not by laughing in court,” Justice Hamza said.

The accused then questioned why the court was accusing him of an offence he claimed he did not commit.

Justice Hamza responded: “You do not try to act smart here. You have been charged. Take your plea, plead not guilty and take it from there.”

The court heard that on January 17, this year, in Lautoka, Moore allegedly sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13 (victim not related to accused).

Moore said he understood the charges and pleaded not guilty.

State counsel Sheenal Swastika told the court that the prosecution would rely on the caution interview and sought 14 days to file disclosures.

Moore was further remanded and the matter adjourned to March 23 for mention.