Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea has again urged police to speed up the execution of an arrest warrant for a 21-year-old man accused of indecent assault who continues to evade police arrest.

The warrant was issued earlier this year when the case reached the trial stage.

Police have repeatedly reported difficulties locating the accused, who is believed to be hiding in his village at the Tangarare area in Guadalcanal.

A prosecutor told the court this week that a police team from Honiara recently travelled to the area and conducted a 4am raid but the accused had already fled.

Officers later spoke with his mother and uncle, asking them to urge him to surrender.

DCM Iomea said while he appreciates police efforts, they should also involve chiefs and village elders if relatives are not cooperating.

Police have requested more time to execute the warrant, citing logistical challenges.

The case will return to court on November 6 for review.

The accused allegedly committed the offence on 20 August 2024, when he indecently touched the victim, a relative, after dinner at the house of the alleged victim’s uncle.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN