Regina v Tapu [2016] SBHC 140; HCSI-CRC 459 of 2014 (23 August 2016)

REGINA –v- HOLLAND TAPU

HIGH COURT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
(Mwanesalua, DCJ)

Criminal Case No. 459 of 2014

Hearing : 22 August 2016
Judgement : 23 August 2016

Mr. Dalipada for the Prosecution
Mr. Laurere for the Accused

JUDGMENT

Mwanesalua DCJ: The Accused was indicted with two counts of rape on 29 October 2015. He was released on cash bail on 17 March 2016. His case came for mention before this court for mention on 22 July 2016, 12 August 2016 and 22 August 2016. The trial on his case was set to start on 23 August 2016.

On 23 August 2016 the Victim was in court to give evidence against the Accused. Counsel for the prosecution told the court that victim refused to give evidence against the Accused. And counsel told the court that they would close their case.

There is no evidence before the court that the Accused raped the victim. The Accused is according acquitted of the rape charge laid against him. Order accordingly.

BY THE COURT

Justice Francis Mwanesalua
DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE