The High Court in Lautoka has cleared a juvenile of four sexual offence charges after the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
The accused, who initially faced nine counts relating to two young girls in Sigatoka in 2022, had charges including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.
Following the close of the State’s case, the court ruled that the juvenile had no case to answer for one count of indecent assault by kissing, one count of sexual assault involving touching, and two counts of rape by penetration.
The accused will still face five remaining charges, including one count of indecent assault and three counts of rape involving the first complainant, as well as one count of rape involving the second complainant.
During the trial, the first complainant, who was under 13 at the time, testified that the assaults occurred after her father asked the accused to assist her with homework. She said the accused allegedly threatened her if she reported the incidents. The court noted that because the complainants were aged eight and 11 during the alleged incidents, they legally could not consent, meaning consent is not a factor in the remaining charges.
The juvenile has denied all remaining counts.
