Man charged with attempted rape found not guilty

A man charged with attempted rape was today found not guilty by the assessors and the Presiding Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar.

Jone Saqanaivalu has been acquitted of the charge by Justice Goundar after he agreed with the not guilty verdict of the assessors.

While acquitting Saqanaivalu, Justice Goundar said clearly the assessors have not believed the complainant's evidence or they have a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused.

The Judge said he directs himself in accordance with the law and evidence contained in his summing up and he has no reason to disagree with the unanimous opinions of not guilty by the assessors.

Story by: Vijay Narayan