A father-of-two accused of raping his 33-year-old niece during a drinking session has been granted a $500 non-cash bail bond.
The married man in his 50s appeared before Suva judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe on a count of rape.
It’s alleged the accused and complainant were drinking in the man’s apartment in Tacirua when the incident occurred some time in June this year.
State lawyer Katarina Dugan did not object to bail after conducting the relevant surety checks.
Defence lawyer Shahlaa Begum said her client would reside in Nadi.
Ms Dugan has been directed to furnish a Domestic Violence Restraining Order to the accused and complainant by November 28.
She informed the court the prosecution intended to call three witnesses, including the complainant and the investigating officer, while Ms Begum would only be calling the accused as a witness.
Justice Rajasinghe will fix a hearing date on April 11 next year.
