THE trial of a man accused of raping and sexually assaulting a former Virgin Australia flight attendant commenced before Justice Sunil Sharma on Tuesday with the complainant detailing how a night out in Nadi ended in terror.
Ilaisa Tanoa Degei faces charges of rape and sexual assault against a former Virgin Australia cabin crew member following an incident in late 2024.
State lawyer Laisiasa Baleilevuka acknowledged that the burden of proof rested entirely with the State, which intended to call four witnesses — the victim, a taxi driver, a responding police officer, and a medical examiner.
In her testimony, the complainant described arriving in Nadi for a layover on December 31, 2024. After drinks at the Tanoa International Hotel, she accompanied colleagues to Bar One in Martintar.
After becoming separated from her group when the venue closed at 1am, she panicked when an unfamiliar man offered to take her home.
Despite her reluctance, she agreed to let him drop her back at her hotel.
She testified that inside the vehicle, the man subjected her to unwanted physical contact before sexually assaulting her. After the vehicle stopped, the two disembarked and the driver sped off.
The court heard that the pair argued on the road until a passing police cruiser intervened. The victim reported the attack to hotel staff and was examined by a doctor.
In court, she positively identified Degei as her attacker.
Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Alifereti Waqavakatoga, the complainant acknowledged inconsistencies between her initial police statement and a second statement given on September 7.
She explained that intoxication and trauma affected her initial recollections, but rejected the defence’s assertions that she was merely guessing or had invited the accused to her hotel.
The trial resumes at 10am today.
