A 30-year-old carpenter of Lautoka appeared in Lautoka court today charged with the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman in a Lautoka hotel yesterday.

It is alleged that the 30-year-old raped the 19-year-old woman in a hotel in Lautoka yesterday when the girl went to Lautoka to visit a relative.

The girl met a man in a minivan on her way to Lautoka when they went to a hotel and slept after having grog. It is alleged the carpenter raped her after she fell asleep.

The 30-year-old has been bailed and his plea has been deferred as he wishes to seek legal representation.

The case has been adjourned until 2nd March.