State v Ralagi [2020] FJHC 473; HAC303.2019 (30 June 2020)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI

AT SUVA

[CRIMINAL JURISDICTION]

CRIMINAL CASE NO. HAC 303 OF 2019

STATE

V

VILIKESA RALAGI

Counsel: Ms S Swastika with Mr S Koroibaba for the State

Ms S Daunivesi with Ms O Grace for the Accused

Date of Hearing: 29 June – 30 June 2020

Date of Summing Up : 30 June 2020

Date of Judgment : 30 June 2020

JUDGMENT

[1] The assessors have found the Accused guilty of rape of a 14 year old girl at Namata village, Tailevu in November 2018 by unanimous opinion. They have believed the evidence of the complainant as true and are satisfied with the guilt of the Accused beyond reasonable doubt.

[2] I direct myself in accordance with my summing up and accept the guilty opinions of the assessors. I find the Accused guilty of rape as charged and convict him accordingly.

...........................................
Hon. Mr Justice Daniel Goundar

Solicitors: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for the State

Legal Aid Commission for the Accused