Judge to sum up man's case charged with rape, attempt to commit rape and indecent assault tomorrow

High Court Judge Justice Vincent Perera will be giving his summing up tomorrow in the case of a 28‑year‑old man charged with a count each of rape, attempt to commit rape and indecent assault.

The accused who was the neighbour of the 14‑year‑old victim is alleged to have committed the offence between February 13th and April 30th last year in Nausori.

State counsel Susan Serukai when giving her closing submission told the assessors and the court to consider the victim's direct evidence that was said under oath as there were inconsistencies compared to the police statement.

She further said that there was a delay of eight months in reporting the matter as the victim was threatened by the accused, the victim’s mother was sickly and she feared that no one would believe her.

Defence counsel Jiten Reddy posed a questioned to the court with pictures asking if a person is raped would they smile two hours after the alleged incident.

He further says that all he wants is justice for his clients.

Reddy highlighted that the evidence given by the accused and his police statement are consistent compared to the victim, her evidence was inconsistent with her police statement.