Accused to engage lawyer
The High Court in Suva has vacated the trial of a 36-year-old man of Nausori charged with robbery and rape.
Iliesa Cuanilawa appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday for a pretrial conference before his case trial commences on June 1. However, Justice Goundar vacated the trial as the accused wanted to engage a private lawyer.
Cuanilawa faces one count each of aggravated robbery, assault with intent to rape and rape.
State prosecutor Sheenal Swastika told the court that the State was ready to proceed to trial.
However, Cuanilawa said he was not ready for trial as he just received his disclosures. Justice Goundar said given the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the accused wished to hire a private lawyer, he vacated the trial.
Ms Swastika has also objected to Cuanilawa’s bail on the grounds that he had eight previous convictions of similar offences.
Justice Goundar will deliver the bail ruling on June 1.