Man who allegedly raped a 75-year-old woman remanded in custody

The 30-year-old farmer who allegedly raped a 75-year-old woman in her home has been remanded in custody.

The elderly woman and the man are related and live in the same village.

He appeared in the Nausori Magistrates Court yesterday and the matter has now been transferred to the Suva High Court.

Police had earlier said the incident occurred some time between the 12th and 13th of this month and was reported by the Turaga ni Koro on the 16th.

They said the elderly woman was alone at home, when she heard a noise coming from her kitchen.

Upon checking she saw the accused whom she knew, and told him to leave some food for her grandson and went back to sleep.

Police said later in the night, the accused went into the victim’s bedroom where he allegedly committed the offence.

The elderly woman relayed the matter to a relative on the 16th and it was referred to the Vunidawa Police Station by the Turaga ni Koro.

Police said two officers were deployed to arrest the accused on Friday, whereby he allegedly resisted and tore an officer's uniform and in the process assaulted the second officer.

They said the accused was eventually subdued, arrested and taken into police custody.

He has been charged with one count of rape, three counts of serious assault and one count of damaging property.

The matter will be called in the Suva High Court on the 9th of October.