‘Don’t Interact With Children Under 18’

Judge orders wheel-chair bound man, charged with rape of his granddaughters, to stay away from underaged children

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar has ordered an 83-year-old man not to interact with any children under the age of 18 years.

This is following an exceptional case of the man because of his medical conditions, given bail to reside with his daughter.

According to the Police charges, the 83-year-old faces three counts of rape of his three granddaughters, aged six and seven years.

The accused appeared in court in a wheelchair as the court heard that he suffered from a stroke. Justice Goundar had questioned the accused’s daughter whether she was willing to take responsibility for her father as a surety. She told the court that she was willing to do so.

Justice Goundar then asked the accused’s daughter if she had any children at her home. She told the court that she had a granddaughter who was in Year Two. Justice Goundar warned her to ensure her father did not interact with any children even inside the house.

He then granted bail to the accused and ordered the accused’s daughter to sign a surety bond of $1000.

Justice Goundar ordered the accused to reside with his daughter, not to leave Suva for any reason while the case was ongoing, not to interfere with the witnesses, not to contact the complainants, and not to obtain any travel documents.

He gave the State 28 days to file information and disclosures in the matter.

The matter will be called for plea on September 14.