A LAWYER representing a pastor, who was jailed for sexually assaulting 12 boys aged between nine and 16, has been allowed further time to file an appeal out of time.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere yesterday heard the appeal matter involving a 43-year-old pastor currently incarcerated for sexually violating underage boys.
The man, represented by the Legal Aid Commission, is appealing both his conviction and sentence imposed in 2024 by Magistrate Seini Puamau.
Ms Puamau sentenced him to nine years and six months in prison, with a non-parole period of seven years.
He was convicted of four counts of indecent assault, three of indecently insulting a person, two of sexual assault with intent to rape, one of sexual assault, and one of attempted sexual assault.
The magistrate found that the pastor carried out a “multiple sex crime spree” against children in a village he was responsible for as a pastor.
The matter will be called before trial judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili in Suva.
The case adjourned to January 20.
