Man Charged With Multiple Sexual Offences
The matter was adjourned for bail hearing on March 19, accused further remanded.
Tuesday 12 March 2019 | 09:00
A Suva man, who is facing charges of multiple sexual offences, appeared at the High Court in Suva yesterday.
Jope Ratulailai is charged with five counts of rape and one count each of abduction of a person under 18 years of age with intent to have carnal knowledge and indecent assault.
He pleaded guilty to the count of abduction, but pleaded not guilty to the charges of rape and indecent assault when he appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar.
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It is alleged that between November 25, 2018 and December 10, 2018, the accused unlawfully and with intent to have carnal knowledge abducted the complainant who is under the age of 18 years.
He allegedly indecently and unlawfully assaulted her and raped her.
State prosecutor Sadaf Shameem told the court that she had filed an affidavit in response to the bail application indicating that the State will object to bail.
Defence lawyer from Legal Aid has sought seven days to respond to the objections made by the State.
Justice Goundar transferred the matter before Justice Chamath Morais for trial.
The matter was adjourned for bail hearing on March 19.
Ratulailai was further remanded in custody and a production order was issued for him to be present in court on his next court date.
Edited by Percy Kean
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