High Court Judge Justice, Daniel Goundar has today refused the bail application of Iliesa Cuanilawa who is accused of violently robbing a woman before raping her in February last year.
While delivering his ruling in the Suva High Court this morning, Justice Goundar said the charges are serious and the prosecution case is potentially strong.
He says the accused does not have stable employment or strong community ties.
Justice Goundar says the accused also has convictions for burglary, theft, possession of illicit drugs, forfeiture of the bail bond, and criminal trespass since 2007.
He says his last conviction was for criminal trespass in 2016.
The alleged incident happened on the 27th of February in Vuci Road, Nausori last year.
Cuanilawa is charged with one count each of aggravated robbery, assault with intent to commit rape and rape.
Cuanilawa has pleaded not guilty to his charges.
According to charges filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cuanilawa allegedly robbed the woman of $1,000 cash and assorted items which included two mobile phones and assorted jewellery.
Cuanilawa allegedly entered the woman’s house and used a knife to threaten her and then raped her while her husband was at work.
The total value of the cash and items stolen was $4,228.
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