BY ROMINAH FAKA

Magistrate Court has remanded a 25-year-old man arrested in connection to the murder of a 29-year-old woman at Guadalcanal Plains.

The defendant Richard Sonia, was charged with one count of murder contrary to section 200 of penal code and one count of rape contrary to section 136 F (1) (a) and (b) of the Penal Code, as amended by the Penal Code (Amendment) (Sexual Offences) Act 2016. The maximum penalty for both charges, murder and rape are life imprisonment.

Grounds for the remand are – seriousness of the offence, as both charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Second ground for remand highlighted by prosecution is risk of absconding, given the remoteness of the defendant’s village. This was proved, as prior to the offending, the accused resided at Binu, however, after the incident on May 23, police went to Binu only to find that he had fled to his village at Kunde, Kolona.  

Another ground cited for remand is the fear of retaliation. So far, only part of the compensation demanded has been paid to the relatives of the deceased to ease the tense situation between both parties. Thus, if the defendant is to be released on bail, the threat level against him and his family is expected to be high.

Lastly, investigations are still ongoing. Police continue to investigate the case and have yet to reach other potential witnesses for their statements regarding the two serious offences (murder and rape) that the defendant is charged with.

Prosecution also said Tetere police also has a registered filed of attempted rape to the same defendant Mr Sonia that is yet to be dealt with.

The matter was adjourned for June 11 for further mention.

The deceased is a 29-year-old woman.

The incident occurred on May 21 in the cocoa area near GPPOL II area in North Guadalcanal.

State Prosecutor Irene Mae from the Office of Director of Public Prosecution made the remand and Jennifer Happilyn from PSO appears for defence.

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