A man accused of violently robbing a woman before raping her in February this year denied all the charges laid against him in the Suva High Court today.
Iliesa Cuanilawa pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated robbery, assault with intent to rape and rape before High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.
According to charges filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cuanilawa allegedly robbed the woman of $1,000 cash and assorted items which included two mobile phones and assorted jellewery in Nausori on 27th February this year.
Cuanilawa allegedly entered the woman’s house and used a knife to threaten her and then raped her.
The total value of the cash and items stolen was $4,228.
It was heard in court that majority of the items were recovered from Cuanilawa and he was identified by the woman through an identification parade carried out by Police.
Defence lawyer, Namrata Mishra told the court that they intend to file an alibi notice as the accused is saying he was with a relative at Korovou Town at the time the offence was committed.
Justice Goundar has granted leave for the defence to file their alibi notice.
The Judge has also set the one week trial to start on 9th September this year.
The pre-trial conference in this case will be held on 26th August this year.
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