Accused Pleads Not Guilty in Hope of Lesser Charge

A Suva man facing a sexual offence charge pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The accused is charged with one count of sexual assault.

He appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar.

It is alleged that on December 26, 2018, at Nasinu, the accused unlawfully and indecently assaulted the complainant.

Defence lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission Lavenia David told the court that the accused was willing to plead guilty to a lesser charge of indecent assault instead of sexual assault.

She told the court that according to her analysis and the evidence statement from witnesses and the complainant, the complainant was wearing clothes, but the accused was naked.

State Prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Swastika Sharma told the court that she could not confirm the consideration of the lesser charge as yet, however, she sought time from the court to confirm on the same.

Justice Goundar adjourned the case to May 6 to check on the status of the State’s position on the lesser charge of indecent assault. The accused was further remanded in custody.

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