Teenager facing rape, defilement charges on remand

A 19-year-old man facing a count of rape has been remanded in custody by the High Court in Suva.

The accused appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday.

The accused is also facing one count of defilement.

It is alleged that between December 7 and December 31, 2018, at Navua, the accused had unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 years.

Justice Goundar told the accused that the charges against him were serious and it is an allegation of a rape of a 13-year-old girl.

The accused opted to seek representation from the Legal Aid Commission.

Prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Swastika Sharma told the court that the accused and the complainant were not related, however, they were from the same village in Navua.

State was given 21 days to file information and disclosures in the matter.

The case was adjourned to June 7 for plea.

Edited by Percy Kean

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