FAILURE by one of two juveniles accused of raping a 13-year-old girl to turn up in court, has prompted court to adjourn the case to August 10.
The two juveniles were accused of raping the teenager last year at Guadalcanal Plain Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL), East of Honiara.
The adjournment was to allow police to execute a warrant of arrest (WOA) issued for the accused who failed to turn up in court.
Public Prosecutor Maito’o Hauirae on Monday told the court they now located the juvenile at a School in Kolobangara, Western Province.
He sought a 14-day adjournment to allow police to execute the warrant.
Henry Kausimae of Public Solicitor’s Office who initially represented the accused said, he had withdrawn his legal representation after the warrant of arrest was issued.
The juvenile on bail was represented by a Public Solicitor’s Lawyer who also withdrawn his legal representation due to the non-appearance of the accused on a previous court hearing.
Mr Kausimae however said, lawyers will be allocated for both juveniles.
Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika having heard from both counsels said they cannot proceed with the case because the other accused is still not arrested.
He therefore granted the adjournment to allow prosecution to execute the warrant of arrest and for the Public Solicitor’s Office to confirm the legal representation for the other juvenile.
The juveniles aged 14 and 15, from Temotu and Western Province are facing one count each of rape and one count of defilement.
The alleged victim went to GPPOL to visit her aunt there when the alleged incident occurred.
Prosecution alleged the juveniles led the girl to the bush and allegedly raped her.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
