21yr old Petero Bai has been remanded in custody after appearing in court yesterday charged with the rape of a class three student at a Suva based school last week.

Bai appeared before Suva Magistrate Makareta Mua however no plea was taken.

State Prosecutor Paulini Matanivosa made an application strongly objecting to bail stating that the offence of rape carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Matanivosa stressed that the circumstances involved a child and that Bai has allegedly admitted the offense to police.

She highlighted that the allegation against Bai is that he took the victim to an empty toilet, punched the victim and raped her.

She said it is for the accused own safety that he be remanded in custody as the case is sensitive in nature.

Matanivosa also informed the court that the victim remains admitted at the Intensive Care Unit at CWM Hospital.

She also made a formal application to suppress the victim's name.

Bai told the court that he wants to be released on bail saying his wife is expecting a baby soon and he promised to attend court.

Magistrate Mua in denying bail to Bai also revealed that the accused is on a 2 year suspended sentence for house break in and larceny.

She said it is in the matter of public interest that Bai be remanded in custody.

The case is adjourned to April 12th for mention.

The victim was found unconscious in the toilet by some students last Thursday at the Suva based school.