Victim in Church leader’s court case escorted by police

Police acted quickly to escort the victim in the All Nations Church leader, Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca's trial out of the Suva court house today.

The large group of supporters of Ratabacaca gathered outside the court had started to call out for the victim to come out of the court room.

Police also asked the supporters to leave however some of them refused to go.

Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro confirmed that the victim was safely escorted by officers.

Naisoro said the officers had anticipated something of this nature may occur following which proactive measures were taken to ensure the victim is taken safely out of court.

We have also contacted All Nations Church office asking them about the conduct of Ratabacaca's supporters who are mainly church members.

We approached the church to ask how the situation is being handled knowing that Reverend Ratabacaca has been convicted for sexual assault.

Senior Pastor Peni Niudamu has refused to make any comments.

We asked if any other church official is available to comment.

He said no one will speak.

Meanwhile Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca will be sentenced by Justice Paul Madigan next Wednesday.

Reverend Ratabacaca has been found guilty of sexual assault and faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment.
 
Defence lawyer, Filimoni Vosarogo asked if the judge can consider a one to three year sentence and hand down a suspended sentence.

Vosarogo asked Judge Madigan to consider Ratabacaca's good character, his age and record.

He also asked if Ratabacaca can be given a bound over sentence with conditions.

DPP lawyer, Fotofili highlighted the aggravating factors and emphasised that there was a breach of trust.

He said the victim went to Ratabacaca for help.

Fotofili said the victim was an outpatient at Saint Giles Hospital suffering from acute psychotic disorder. He said the acts done were planned and money was offered to her after each act.

Two character witnesses took the stand for Ratabacaca today Christian Mission Fellowship Leader, Reverend Suliasi Kurulo told the court that he knows Ratabacaca for 18 years since Ratabacaca was leading the military Christian Fellowship.

Reverend Kurulo said Reverend Ratabacaca is a man of great integrity dedicated to the church and his family.

He said Reverend Ratabacaca is a loving and peaceful person who has assisted a lot of young people. Reverend Kurulo said he has taken a lot of people to his home and counseled them.

DPP lawyer, Lisiate Fotofili then raised the question whether Ratabacaca is the type of person who will admit if he has done something wrong.

Kurulo replied that Ratabacaca would do that.

The second character witness for Ratabacaca was his former workmate in the military, Emosi Bose.

Bose said that Ratabacaca was an honest and hardworking man. He said that he resigned from the military to answer to God's calling.


Story by: Vijay Narayan, Praneeta Prakash and Khusboo Singh