CLOSING submissions on the case of a man on trial for allegedly impregnating his 17-year-old sister-in law after raping her on three occasions last year in Kolombangara will be made in court on Friday.
The 39- year-old defendant, who could not be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, faces one count of Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child.
The trial which started on Tuesday 12 August ended on Tuesday 19 August before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Junior during the High Court circuit in Gizo, Western Province.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses, while the defendant gave evidence and also called two witnesses, including his wife.
The conclusion of the trial, the matter was adjourned for Friday for counsels to present their final arguments.
The alleged victim was 17 years-old and doing form four at the time of the alleged incident, while the defendant was 38 years-old.
The defendant is married to the alleged victim’s cousin and both the defendant and his wife are primary school teachers.
The prosecution alleged the defendant raped the alleged victim on three occasions between 1 and 31 January 2024 in a village on Kolombangara island.
The offences were allegedly committed in the family room of the defendant’s house.
The alleged victim then got pregnant and gave birth, but the baby died.
The Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
