A 60yr-old man of Tamavua Suva charged with rape and indecent assault was denied bail by the Nasinu Magistrate Alofa Seruvatu.

The man who is alleged to have raped his two daughters and his daughter-in-law has been charged with six counts of rape and one count of indecent assault and did not take a plea as he does not have a lawyer.

Magistrate Seruvatu denied bail looking at the seriousness of the case saying that Police Prosecutor Jesse Wilson's grounds were stronger than the man's.

Wilson had objected to the bail application sought by the 60yr old man himself, saying that the man has been charged with a very serious offence and as it is a case of national interest, he can interfere with witnesses who are closely related to him if he is released of bail.

The 60yr old had made an application for bail saying that he needs to prepare for the case and is an Asthma patient.

Wilson told Magistrate Seruvatu that the public can also interfere with the accused and as for his sickness, medical facilities are provided in custody.

He said police are still investigating and will be laying more charges on the man thus asked the court to remand him in custody for 14 days out of which he will stay in Central Police Station custody for four days and the rest at Korovou prison.
Magistrate Seruvatu agreed that the man be remanded in custody at CPS for four days however reminded the police that since the man is old and asthmatic, he needs to be given a blanket and taken good care of. She also told prosecution to assist the man in engaging a lawyer for himself.

The 60yr old man did not take a plea as he is yet to arrange a lawyer for himself from legal aid.

The case has been adjourned till 29th May for mention.