Alleged rapist appears in court intoxicated

A man charged with rape appeared at the Suva High Court in an intoxicated condition yesterday.

The case has been adjourned to October 11, to fix a trial date.

Judge Justice Riyaaz Hamza has warned Paula Navukula that on the date he has to come to court in a fit state with proper attire. Defence counsel Talei Kean assured the court that she had counselled Navukula upon arrival and had scolded him for his behaviour.

It is alleged that between May 29 and 30, this year at Navua, Navukula raped a 25-year-old woman.

The state was represented by Lavenia Bogitini.