A 48 year old father who allegedly raped his 12 year old step daughter last year has been further remanded in custody by the Suva High Court this morning.

Legal Aid lawyer today applied for bail on grounds that the accused has a 10 year old child who he has to look after as his wife passed away last year.

However, Judge Justice Salesi Temo rejected the application saying rape is a serious offence.

He added that bail cannot be granted as it’s highly likely that the accused will interfere with the victim.

Justice Temo remanded the accused till 10th February next year.

The alleged incident happened in August last year.

Story by: Ronal Deo