A 49-year-old man who allegedly raped his 13-year-old niece has been informed by the Suva High Court to have legal representation for the matter.
He appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu.
The man wanted self representation however Justice Bulamainaivalu reminded him regarding the severity of his offence after which he changed his mind.
The 49-year-old man had requested if he can speak to someone from his home.
Justice Bulamainaivalu says he can't facilitate his request.
The State has been given 14 days to serve the disclosures.
It is alleged that the man raped his niece when she had gone to the man's home to return an item belonging to his daughter, where he forcefully took her and committed the alleged offences.
The matter was reported at Vunidawa Police Station by the victim's mother.
The man is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
He remains in remand.
The matter is adjourned to the 2nd of October for mention.
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