A 20-year-old man from Nausori who is charged with one count of rape has been found guilty of a lesser charge of defilement.
The girl was 15 years old during the time of the alleged incident.
Suva High Court Judge, Justice Vincent Perera concurred with the assessors decision who found the man guilty of a lesser charge of defilement.
Justice Perera said that the complainant was the only witness and the evidence given by her was inconsistent.
While giving mitigation submission, defence lawyer Jiten Reddy asked the court to consider that throughout the trial his client maintained that he had sexual intercourse with the complainant but with her consent.
He also asked the court to consider that his client is a first offender and he used to assist his father in a fishing business which is their only source of income.
The case has been adjourned till Monday for the prosecution to provide sentencing submission.
Justice Perera will deliver the sentence next Thursday.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations