THE prosecution will write to the Governor General (GG) to seek his consideration on the next steps to be taken on the case of a mentally-ill man accused of sexually abusing a minor.
The defendant, who could not be named to protect the identity of the six-year-old victim, faces the charge of Sexual Intercourse with a Child under 15.
The matter was adjourned to February 20 in the Honiara Magistrate Court yesterday, pending confirmation from the prosecution that its letter has been sent to the Governor General.
According to the prosecution, the alleged incident occurred in October last year in West Honiara where the victim and the defendant both resided.
Following his arrest, the defendant exhibited signs of having an unsound mind, which led to a psychiatric assessment.
The report revealed that the defendant was unfit to plead due to mental illness.
As a result, the prosecution is now seeking the Governor General’s guidance on how to proceed with the case, given the accused’s mental health status.
BY ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
