A 47-year-old man faces serious charges of raping his 14-year-old niece, having been formally charged with six counts of rape. The case was presented before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe in the High Court in Suva. The alleged incidents reportedly took place in 2022 and the following year in both Kadavu and Suva.
During the proceedings, the accused expressed his desire to represent himself in court. Justice Rajasinghe cautioned him about the complexities involved in self-representation, particularly regarding the cross-examination of witnesses and the need to make proper legal submissions. He emphasized the importance of not wasting the court’s time with unnecessary applications, reiterating the serious consequences the man could face if found guilty, which could include a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The accused’s request to have his plea recorded after a week was approved, and an interim Domestic Violence Restraining Order was issued against him. The case has been scheduled for a further hearing on December 12.
This trial highlights the judicial system’s commitment to handling serious crimes with diligence and the importance of proper representation in legal matters. With the trial scheduled, there is hope that justice will be served, and the court will address the matter comprehensively to ensure the victim’s rights and safety are prioritized.
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