A man accused of trying to rape his 12-year-old niece last year is seeking bail in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court.
His lawyer was supposed to present the bail application yesterday but the prosecution are not ready.
Crown Prosecutor Nelson Dhita said he received information for the bail application but has not received information in relation to the grounds for the bail application.
Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika therefore made orders to the defence counsel to provide the information to the prosecution and said he will hear the bail application tomorrow.
The man who cannot be named to protect his niece’s identity faces one count of attempted rape and three counts of indecent assault.
Prosecution alleged that on Christmas Day the alleged victim went to her mother at the Honiara Central Market and the accused was also there.
It was alleged he was under the influence of liquor and was armed with a fish hook (fishing boat hook).
He later allegedly pulled out a small kitchen knife and walked around in the market house.
Upon seeing this, the victim’s mother told her to return home.
The accused seeing the victim about to board the bus allegedly went over to her and told her he will accompany her back to the house.
It was alleged that on their way to the house after dropping off the bus, the accused indecently assaulted his niece and tried to rape her.
Lappy Hite of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the accused.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
