A Vaimoso man accused of rape has been banned by the Supreme Court from using social media.

The defendant – whose details have been suppressed by a Court order – appeared on Monday before the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Sativa Perese during criminal mentions to set a date for the hearing.

He is facing a charge of rape as well as two counts of being armed with a dangerous weapon in two separate matters.

The trial for the defendant has been scheduled for 8 March, 2021 and will last for three days. 

Chief Justice Satiu said he will sentence the defendant for the two counts of being armed with a dangerous weapon after the trial in March next year.

The court has also ordered that the defendant not return to Vaimoso, where the alleged rape occurred and is his current place of residence, and he relocates elsewhere. 

Charlie Vaai is the defense lawyer for the defendant with Leone Sua-Mailo of the Attorney General's Office appearing for the prosecution.

Besides the court’s suppression order of his details, Chief Justice Satiu also banned the defendant from using social media until he returns to court.