Name suppression granted, Pastor accused of rape in custody

A Methodist Church Pastor, who is facing sex charges, has been granted name suppression by the Supreme Court.

The Pastor has also been kept in Police custody until his bail application has been considered by the Court. 

On Monday, Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke issued an interim name suppression order for the pastor and the alleged victim of the offending. 

The Supreme Court Judge said the interim order is due to the defendant having a family connection with the alleged victim. 

Lawyer Leiatualesa Komisi Koria represented the Pastor while Assistant Attorney General, Magele Leone Su’a, is the prosecutor. 

The defence lawyer said a bail application for the defendant has been submitted. 

In response, Magele asked for an adjournment for the Police to finalise charges and respond to the bail request.

She added that the complainant in the matter had stayed with the defendant.  

Justice Leiataualesa then adjourned the matter without plea until 28th October 2019. 

The accused pastor has been dismissed and defrocked by the Methodist church for allegedly raping the 16-year-old girl. 

A temporary pastor has been appointed to watch over the church in a rural village of Upolu.