Prosecution has confirmed they will be proceeding with the rape charge against a man who allegedly raped his daughter this year at a plantation in East Guadalcanal.
The 65-year-old father who cannot be named to protect the identity of his 15 year-old daughter has been initially charged with one count of rape and another count of incest.
When the matter came before the court on Monday, Public Prosecutor Hauirae Maito’o told the court the matter was adjourned for the purpose of reviewing the charges.
He said, a memo was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for endorsement on which charge to proceed with and confirmed prosecution will proceed with the rape charge.
The matter will return to the court again on August 3, giving time for parties to consider prosecution’s position.
The man from Temotu was accused of raping his 15-year-old in April this year in a plantation in East Guadalcanal.
The maximum penalty of rape is life imprisonment while that of incest is seven years.
Michael Holara of Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the accused.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
