Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan yesterday refused an informal bail application pending trial made by a 50 year old man charged with the alleged rape of a four year old girl.
It is alleged the on 13th June this year, the 50 year old raped the four year old who lived in the neighboring house.
The alleged incident happened when the girl had gone to the 50 year old man's house.
The defense counsel objected to bail saying that there is a likelihood that the accused may interfere with the witness and the feelings in the community are running high, and it would not be in the interest of the accused to be granted bail.
Judge Madigan said that the accused made one previous bail application which was refused, and the accused's lawyer can offer no new circumstance for the granting of bail and refused the application.
The matter will now be called on 6th August next month where the accused may appeal the ruling to the Fiji Court of Appeal.
Story by: Praneeta Deo
