TRIAL for the man accused of raping a seven-year-old boy in 2020 in Honiara will start on Monday 7th October in the High Court.
The 43-year-old defendant who could not be named for the protection of the identity of the victim is facing trial for one count of rape.
His matter went before the High Court on Thursday when the Public Prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau confirmed that the prosecution is ready for the trial this week.
The defendant did not turn up in court on Thursday but the court was informed that he might not have been aware of his supposed appearance because he had attended all previous court mentions.
Mrs Waisanau said she will talk to the defence lawyer to make sure the defendant turns up in court for his trial.
She also informed the court that she will make an application this week for arrangements to ensure the right of the complainant to privacy and dignity.
However, Judge John Keniapisia said most times, the defence does not object to such application, adding that the prosecution should not make that application but proceed to filing the consent order.
Judge Keniapisia advised the prosecutor to talk with the defence counsel and sign the consent order on the special measures they are seeking for the trial.
The defendant committed the offence in December 2020.
At that time, the victim was only seven years old and was living with his mother in a house rented by his uncle in Honiara.
At the time of the offending, the accused usually spent time in the same house where the victim and his mother lived because he was employed by the victim’s uncle as salesperson.
On the day of the incident, the victim was watching a movie when the accused called him to follow him into the room of the victim’s uncle.
Inside the room, the prosecution alleged the accused committed unnatural sex with the victim and threatened the victim not to shout, else he will cut his neck with a knife.
The victim did not disclose what the accused did to him because of the threat.
The victim’s mother, however, started to notice changes in his son’s behavior and questioned him and that was when her son disclosed what the defendant did to him.
The victim was 10 years old when he disclosed what happened to him.
The mother then sought advice and assistance from her relatives and on 8 January 2024, she was accompanied by her aunt and the victim to the Central Police Station.
On 3 April 2024, the defendant was formally arrested and charged.
Daniel Kwalai of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
