Judge Dismisses Bail Application For Alleged Rapist

An alleged rapist, who absconded bail twice, was told by the High Court in Lautoka that another bail application would be dismissed if it was found to be an abuse of court process. Aminio Sarogo was charged with one count of rape where he allegedly committed the offence on October 16, 2014 at a hotel in Sigatoka.

According to a bail ruling by Judge Justice Daniel Goundar the accused was arrested and interviewed under caution on the day the allegation arose.

He admitted having sex with the adult complainant and that it was consensual. On November 24, 2014, Sarogo pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail. On June 5, 2015 a bench warrant was issued against him after he failed to appear in court.

Sarogo was arrested after 10 months on Koro Island. He then submitted a second bail application on May 18, 2016 and justified absconding bail because he was grounded in Koro after Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Bail was granted thereafter, but he failed to appear in court a second time for his trial. He was arrested and his bail was revoked accordingly when he submitted a third application for the court’s consideration. Justice Goundar said the applicant’s main ground for bail was that he financially supported his younger siblings. His application was objected by the State.

“The fact that the applicant has siblings, who are financially depended on him, is not a change in circumstances that will reduce the risk of him not appearing for his trial,” Justice Goundar said.

“The applicant absconded bail twice. Trial is scheduled to start in early March 2018.” “The delay is not unreasonable. The applicant remains a flight risk. I’m satisfied that the applicant will not appear for his trial if granted bail.”

The court ordered the accused to remain in custody pending his trial and any further bail application would be dismissed. Edited by Percy Kean

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