The hearing of a rape charge against the Noble Lasike started at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning, July 24, before Mr Justice Robin Webster.

Noble Lasike pleaded not guilty to the charge in early May, when the hearing date was set.

The Crown will call 10 witnesses during the criminal trial, which is expected to end on Thursday July 27.

A preliminary inquiry of the case was held in the Nuku...’alofa Magistrate's Court on March 15-20, and Police Magistrate Peau Pifeleti ruled on March 27 that there is a case against the accused, and submitted it to be heard in the Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice ordered suppression of the victim's name and the details of the testimony.

The legal counsel for the accused is William Clive Edwards. The Crown Counsel is 'Aminiasi Kefu.