Alleged rapist Petero Bai appeared in the Suva High Court this morning with his lawyer asking the court to set an early trial date.

21 year old Petero Bai is alleged to have assaulted a class 3 student before allegedly raping her about 3 months ago in the school toilet.

Bai's lawyer Barbra Malimali informed the court today that her client is no longer being kept in isolation and is now being kept with other prisoners in the remand cell.

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Gounder also asked about the class three students condition, to which DPP lawyer Paulini Madanavosa replied that she still remained at home and has not gone to back school.

Defense Counsel Malimali also enquired if the Social Welfare department was involved in the case as it was worrying to see that the child remains at home and has not gone to school.

Both Madanavosa and Malimali are expected to question the class 3 student again.

The case will be recalled on the 8th September and Bai has been further remanded in custody.


Story by: Tokasa Rainima & Ana Naisoro