POLICE are still investigating the case in relation to a sexual abuse allegation on a seven year-old girl in July at east Guadalcanal.
Public Prosecutor Elma Rizzu told the court last Friday that this is a new matter and therefore is still being investigated.
She said there are few documents yet to be obtained from investigators.
Ms Rizzu however said she will provide partial disclosures to the defence counsel and sought a 14-day adjournment for that purpose.
Public Solicitor’s lawyer Ben Alasia said the matter has been allocated to him and confirmed acting for the accused.
The accused’s appearance on Thursday was his second after he was first remanded in custody two weeks ago.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Shepard Lapo adjourned the matter to September 15 and further remanded the accused in custody.
The accused is facing one count of indecent assault pursuant to section 138 of the Penal Code amendment Sexual Offences Act.
The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
The alleged incident occurred at about 8pm on July 30, at Tenaru area.
It was alleged the accused indecently assaulted his niece when she was sleeping in a bedroom of her parent’s house.
The following day, the girl allegedly told her mother about pain she felt on her private body and after checking her daughter the mother noticed she was bleeding.
The matter was then reported to the Henderson Police Station and the accused was arrested and charged.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
