A 69-year-old man facing charges of raping a 10-year-old girl earlier this year has been ordered to remain in custody until his relocation issues are addressed. The man is accused of committing the offenses against the minor, who referred to him as “grandfather,” on May 5.
During a hearing last week at the High Court in Suva, Justice Dane Tuiqereqere was informed by state prosecutor Katarina Dugan that the prosecution does not oppose bail; however, the suggested sureties were deemed unsuitable. The first proposed surety was the accused’s 21-year-old unemployed niece, and the second was also a relative.
Dugan noted that the man’s family members are still in the process of deciding on his suggested relocation. Justice Tuiqereqere emphasized the importance of the accused receiving legal assistance for both his substantive and bail matters. Legal Aid lawyer Severo Ravu has agreed to represent him.
Both parties have been given seven days to resolve the surety issues. Dugan has filed comprehensive disclosures, and the defense has three weeks to advise their client on entering a plea. The bail application hearing is scheduled for October 1, with a plea recording set for October 18.