A pastor who allegedly raped and assaulted a 15-year-old girl last year will now be trialed in December this year.
The trial involving Ravinesh Chand, 36, was set to begin today at the High Court in Suva.
However, Mr Chand failed to show up and it was indicated in court by the defence that the accused had been admitted at the Nasese Medical Centre.
The State had no objections to the trial being vacated.
Judge Justice Daniel Goundar set a new trial date for December 7 this year.
Mr Chand is charged with one count of sexual assault and three counts of rape and it is alleged the incidents happened on March 21, 2019 , at Luvuluvu in Nausori where he allegedly committed the acts on the female church member.
He is currently on bail.
The matter now will be called again this Friday to check on the accused’s medical condition.
