Rapist detained for sentencing [1]
Friday, February 2, 2018 - 17:19
A 24-year old man has been detained in custody to be sentenced on two counts of rape committed in February 2013 at Kolofo'ou, after being convicted at the Supreme Court.
Sione ‘Otutoa was found guilty by Hon Mr Justice Cato, on January 26 after trial. He will be sentenced on February 20.
The victim told the court she knew this man. Her account was that the accused had raped her twice after she had asked to be taken home in the early hours after a drink-up in Nuku'alofa. He took her to a dark area, forced her to the ground and held his hand on her face to stop her screaming out, punched her in the ribs and violently raped her.
The judge said although nearly five-years had passed, the victim gave a lucid and careful account of events of that evening. “I detected no deception in her answers to anything put to her in cross-examination by the accused,” he stated.
The reason for the delay in trial was that the accused did not answer his bail and he was arrested and brought before the court on a warrant.