A 62-YEAR-OLD man accused of raping his three (3) year-old grand-niece in Honiara this year has been committed to stand trial in the High Court.
He was charged with one count of rape.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and a Short Form Preliminary Inquiry was conducted.
Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa delivered the ruling on Monday, after finding sufficient evidence to commit the defendant to stand trial in the High Court.
Before delivering the ruling, Magistrate Pakoa also varied two of the defendant’s bail conditions to allow him to travel back to his home village in Malaita.
The defendant had asked the court to consider varying his bail conditions, citing financial difficulties and a desire to return to his home village to wait for his trial.
He is currently residing with his brother-in-law in Honiara, but found it difficult to contribute financially to the household.
The prosecution objected to the application, citing concerns that the defendant might not return to Honiara for his trial.
However, Magistrate Pakoa stated that the defendant had faithfully attended all previous court hearings and that she believes he would turn up for his trial.
The defendant is required to return to Honiara on 25 January 2025.
The alleged offence occurred sometimes between 1 June and 31 July in Honiara at the residence of the complainant’s parents.
Allan Tinoni of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant, while Public Prosecutor Georgina Oroi appears for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
