Man accused of raping seven-year-old boy goes on trial – Solomon Star News

The trial of the man accused of raping a seven-year-old boy in Honiara in 2020 begins on Monday, March 7^Th October before the Supreme Court.

The 43-year-old defendant, who could not be named to protect the victim's identity, is on trial for rape.

His case was presented to the Supreme Court on Thursday as prosecutor Patricia Tabepuda Waisanau confirmed the prosecution was ready for trial this week.

The defendant did not appear in court on Thursday, but the court was informed that he may not have been aware of his supposed appearance as he had attended all previous court hearings.

Ms Waisanau said she would speak to defense counsel to ensure the defendant appeared in court for his trial.

She also told the court that she would file an application this week for regulations to ensure the complainant's right to privacy and dignity.

However, in most cases, Justice John Kenyapisia said the defense had no objection to such an application, adding that the prosecution should not make this application but proceed with filing the consent order.

Judge Kenyapisia advised the prosecutor to speak to the defense attorney and sign the consent form to the special measures they seek for the trial.

The defendant committed the crime in December 2020.

At the time, the victim was only seven years old and lived with his mother in a house rented from his uncle in Honiara.

At the time of the crime, the defendant was usually in the same house where the victim and his mother lived because he was employed as a salesman for the victim's uncle.

On the day of the incident, the victim was watching a movie when the accused called him to follow him to the victim's uncle's room.

In the room, the prosecution alleged that the defendant committed unnatural sex with the victim and threatened the victim not to scream or he would cut his own neck with a knife.

The victim did not disclose what the defendant did to him as a result of the threat.

However, the victim's mother noticed changes in his son's behavior and questioned him. Her son then revealed what the defendant had done to him.

The victim was 10 years old when he told what happened to him.

The mother then sought advice and help from her relatives and was accompanied by her aunt and the victim to the central police station on January 8, 2024.

On April 3, 2024, the defendant was formally arrested and charged.

Daniel Kwalai from the law firm represents the defendant.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN

Solomon Star, Honiara