Rape accused tells court tourists initiated sexual contact

A snorkelling instructor charged with raping two tourists during a resort trip has told the High Court in Lautoka that the women had initiated sexual contact.

Peter Tuidraki appeared before Justice Riyaz Hamza yesterday. He faces one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault and indecent assault.

The court heard that on December 31, 2023, Tuidraki and two Chinese female nationals were on a snorkelling trip when the alleged incident occurred.

It is alleged that he forced the complainants to touch his private parts before sexually assaulting them.

During the hearing, Tuidraki told the court that the two tourists had made the first sexual approach.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nimita Sharma appeared for the defence, while Sheenal Swastika represented the State.

The prosecution told the court it would rely on the caution interview and has been directed to confirm the availability of the complainants for the next hearing.

The matter will be mentioned on April 13 at the High Court in Lautoka.