A man who allegedly raped and indecently assaulted his wife’s niece has denied the allegation yesterday when he appeared in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court.
The man who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim yesterday pleaded not guilty to four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape.
The alleged incidents occurred in July last year and June this year at the accused’s home in Honiara.
The alleged victim was 20 years of age at that time of the alleged offending.
She resides with her aunty (accused’s wife) when the accused committed those offences allegedly during times when the wife was not at home.
After entering his not guilty pleas, his matter was further adjourned to November 23.
This is to allow his lawyer Stanley Aupai of Public Solicitor’s Office who is currently on leave to appear in court to confirm the type of preliminary inquiry to be conducted on this matter.
Public Prosecutor Ishmael Kekou represents the Crown in this matter.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
