A man facing allegations of raping a woman has been issued a warning to maintain distance from the victim while he is out on bail. The accused, charged with rape, sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement, appeared before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere at the High Court in Suva on August 29. The alleged offense took place on February 15 of this year.
His attorney, Shivani Narayan, informed the court that the pre-trial conference checklist and proposed agreed facts had not yet been served, requesting additional time for this process. Narayan explained that the delay was due to her client not providing adequate instructions regarding his defense. State prosecutor Joshua Singh did not object to the adjournment of the pre-trial conference and proposed facts. Justice Tuiqereqere granted the defense 21 days to prepare and submit the necessary documents. The case is set to reconvene on September 19.