A FATHER appeared on Tuesday at the Honiara Magistrates’ Court facing a number of criminal offences, including rape of his 15 year-old daughter.
The 44-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the the identity of his daughter, faces 16 counts in relation to the charges of incest, rape, indecent assault, common assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and unlawful wounding.
These were in relation to allegations this year that he allegedly committed on his daughter in their Honiara home.
Prosecution alleged the accused committed the offences on different dates and times on which he would allegedly raped his daughter and assaulted her on occasions.
Yesterday’s appearance was his second since he was transferred from Lata.
Public Prosecutor Bradley Dalipanda told the court the matter was transferred from Lata to Honiara given that the alleged offences were committed here.
He told the court on the last occasion the defence has indicated a short form preliminary inquiry will be conducted on his case.
According to the notes on the file, he said investigation on this case is still on-going
Sarah Karani of Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), who was on duty said disclosures was already served to them.
She however, said the matter is yet to be allocated to a lawyer in the PSO.
The father is due back in court on November 10 for another mention of his case.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
