A HIGH Court judge in Lautoka has ruled that Ilaisa Tanoa Degei has a case to answer on charges of rape and sexual assault following three days of prosecution evidence.
Justice Sunil Sharma delivered the ruling after the State formally closed its case, having presented four witnesses including investigating officers and medical personnel.
Police Constable Nemani Valu testified on Wednesday that he responded to a taxidriver’s report near the Tanoa International Hotel junction in Namaka on New Year’s Day 2025.
PC Valu told the court he observed the accused pulling the victim, a flight attendant during that time, backward toward a mango tree while she cried for help.
The taxidriver, Daya Nand, testified he picked up the pair from Martintar near midnight and alerted police after observing Mr Degei carry the complainant into a grassy area.
The court was told that Mr Nand also heard the complainant saying “I don’t like it” before she asked to get off the vehicle.
The final State witness, Dr Amit Sunit Kumar, testified yesterday that an examination of the victim at the Nadi Hospital revealed mild bruising to the woman’s right breast and left knee.
Under cross-examination, Dr Kumar acknowledged that medical findings alone could neither confirm nor rule out non-consensual contact.
Defence lawyer Alifereti Waqavakatoga indicated he would call three witnesses including the accused.
The trial continues at 9am tomorrow.
