Take Medicine, Rape Accused Cautioned

A 23-year-old man charged with rape has been cautioned by a High Court judge to keep in touch with his lawyer and to continue taking his medication because of his mental state.

The Nasinu man appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday charged with one count of unlawful wounding and one count of rape of his former girlfriend last year.

He was admitted to Saint Giles Hospital as a result of his mental state when he initially appeared in court.

The court heard yesterday that the accused tried to burn his room at Saint Giles and was charged with one count of arson. It is alleged that there was minor damage.

Justice Goundar asked prosecutor Sadaf Saneem of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions what happened when Saint Giles patients damaged property or assaulted staff.

He further asked whether such incidents meant that all the patients were charged with a criminal offence as a result.

Mr Saneem said that he needed some time to find out.

Bail has been extended.

The accused is being represented by Talei Kean of the Legal Aid Commission.

The case has been adjourned to March 25.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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