A MAN has pleaded guilty to indecently touching his 11 year-old step-daughter but denied raping her when he appeared in the Honiara Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The 33-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is facing one count of rape and one count of indecent act.
Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa having entered the pleas adjourned the matter to April 9, for mention.
The alleged incidents occurred inside their house when the mother of the alleged victim was not at home.
The rape incident allegedly occurred on an unknown date between January 1 and December 31, 2024 whilst the indecent act allegedly occurred on 4 September 2024.
Allan Tinoni of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant whilst Public Prosecutor Georgina Oroi appeared for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
