A 19-year-old accused of raping a then 11-year-old girl has pleaded guilty.
He appeared earlier this month before Justice Dane Tuiqereqere on a charge of rape.
The accused, who was 16 at the time of the offence, allegedly raped the victim between January 1, 2021 and December 1 the same year in Lami.
He had his charges read out to him in iTaukei and also denied being forced or intimidated to plead guilty.
Prosecution lawyer Katarina Dugan requested 14 days to file and furnish a summary of the facts. The man’s lawyer argued it was a normal practice for bail to be revoked once the proposed summary of facts had been agreed to.
Justice Tuiqereqere, however, indicated there was a likelihood of the accused being given a custodial sentence since he had pleaded guilty.
Bail for the accused was revoked and he was remanded in custody.
The case has been adjourned to January 17, 2025.
