A 69-year-old man charged with the rape of a 10-year-old girl has been ordered to remain in custody until issues regarding his relocation are settled. The man is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault against a minor, who referred to him as “grandfather.”
The case was heard by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere in the High Court in Suva, where the alleged incident took place on May 5 of this year. State prosecutor Katarina Dugan stated that while the prosecution was not opposing bail, the sureties proposed by the accused were deemed unsuitable. One of the proposed sureties was the accused’s 21-year-old unemployed niece, and the other was also a relative.
Dugan noted that the family of the accused was still deliberating on his proposed relocation. Justice Tuiqereqere highlighted the need for the accused to receive legal assistance for both his main case and bail matters. Legal Aid lawyer Severo Ravu agreed to represent the accused.
Both parties have been given a week to communicate and resolve the surety issues. Dugan has filed and provided full disclosures, while the defense is allowed three weeks to advise their client on a plea. The accused’s bail application is scheduled for October 1, with the plea hearing set for October 18.