BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
A man accused of sexually assaulting a close relative around July 2019 has entered not-guilty pleas to all four counts against him.
The allegations occurred in the Central province on unknown dates in June and July 2020.
After he entered not guilty pleas, Justice Maelyn Bird adjourned the case to May 20, 2021 for mention and all counsels in carriage of the case to sort out documents for the pre-trial conference.
Prosecution charged the man with two counts of indecent act without consent contrary to section 138 (1) (a) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual offences) Act 2016, one count of rape contrary to section 136F (a) (b) of the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2026 and two counts of domestic violence contrary to section 4 (1) (a) & (c) and section 58 (1) and (2) of the Family Protection Act 2014.
It is alleged that the man sexually abused the 14-year-old victim sometimes in 2019, but the victim did not report the matter, however in various dates of July 2020 he again allegedly sexually abused the victim.
It is further alleged that when the victim went to the clinic, she finally disclosed information to her grandmother about the alleged incidents.
Police then arrested the defendant and charged him following the alleged offences.
