A 49-year-old man, who is facing serious charges of raping his 13-year-old niece, is set to retake his plea. The accused appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu at the High Court in Suva, where he is facing multiple charges, including four counts of sexual assault, one charge of rape, and one charge of indecent assault.
According to court proceedings, the inappropriate act occurred when the victim visited her uncle’s home to return an item that belonged to his daughter. The court was informed that the uncle allegedly forcibly committed the offences during this visit. Following the incident, the victim’s mother reported the matter to the Vunidawa Police Station.
The Director of Public Prosecutions planned to present a summary of facts for the court and prepare for the sentencing hearing. However, the accused’s lawyer stated that certain details in the charge sheet needed to be amended, delaying the reading of the summary. Consequently, the man’s mitigation and sentencing hearing has been postponed until after the plea is retaken.
Currently, the accused remains in custody, with the case adjourned until December 12.
This situation highlights the challenging and sensitive nature of legal proceedings in sexual assault cases. It is crucial that justice is served, providing a sense of resolution for the victims and their families. The adjournment may allow for a more thorough preparation of the facts, ensuring that all aspects of the case are addressed adequately, which is a positive step towards achieving justice in this troubling matter.
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