A former police officer facing 18 sexual offense charges over a span of five years is set to learn this Friday whether he will be granted bail. The 40-year-old suspect appeared in the High Court in Suva on Tuesday, September 11, before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere for a hearing regarding his bail application.
The charges against him include eight counts of sexual assault, three counts of rape, and one count each of indecent assault and defilement. The victim, who is his cousin, was only 13 years old when the alleged incidents began.
State lawyer Katarina Dugan is opposing bail, citing the complainant’s fear of the accused as a significant concern. She expressed that the victim does not wish for the accused to be released on bail due to her apprehension regarding his potential contact with her.
In response, defense attorney Joji Cakau was instructed to submit a reply to the prosecution’s objections by the close of business on September 11. Both parties, along with the accused, are scheduled to reconvene for a ruling on the bail application.