High Court judge acquits man facing one count of rape

The High Court in Suva has acquitted a man facing a rape charge.

The man was charged with one count of rape of his cousin-brother’s wife.

It was alleged that on May 19, 2019, outside Lami in the Central Division, the accused raped the complainant.

Justice Aruna Aluthge in the judgment said the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He said the man did not deny sexual intercourse with the complainant, however, disputed the fact on the consent, while the prosecution led that the sexual intercourse took place without the consent.

Justice Aluthge said he carefully observed the demeanour of the complainant and that she was evasive and not straight forward with her answers.

Therefore, Justice Aluthge found the man not guilty of rape and acquitted and discharged him accordingly.

Against Corruption (FICAC) charged Jug Prasad with one count of Obtaining a Financial Advantage by Deception.

He is alleged to have falsely identified himself as someone else in order to obtain $1000 under the Micro and Small Business Grant Scheme from October to December 2018. The Accused was released on bail with a Stop Departure Order issued. The matter was adjourned to October 9.