Judge Does Not Accept Guilty Plea Of 23-Year Old Man
Judge Goundar told the accused that he could ask for assistance from Legal Aid as it was free of charge.
Tuesday 05 March 2019 | 08:16
A 23-year-old man from Lau has pleaded guilty to one count of rape at the Suva High Court yesterday.
It is alleged that on January 19, 2019 he raped his 10-year-old cousin in the Central Division.
Representing the state was Lawyer Meli Vosawale.
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Justice Daniel Goundar told the accused that he would not be accepting his guilty plea.
“I am not accepting your guilty plea unless I am satisfied that you pleaded guilty freely,” Justice Goundar said.
Judge Goundar told the accused that he could ask for assistance from Legal Aid as it was free of charge.
He said the Legal Aid lawyer would tell him about the consequences of his plea and they could help him with his mitigation.
The accused has been further remanded. The case has been adjourned to March 12.
