Fiji attack: Man accused of sexually assaulting Virgin Australia crew member to face court
A man charged over the rape and sexual assault of a female airline crew member in Fiji is expected to face court.
According to local media sources, he is set to appear at Nadi Magistrates Court on Monday and his case could be referred to the nation’s High Court due to the seriousness of his alleged offences.
The man was charged on Saturday after the alleged rape and sexual assault of a 21-year-old member of Virgin Australia’s flight crew on New Year’s Day.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The night before, she had been celebrating with other airline flight crew members in Nadi, an international gateway to Fiji’s most popular tourist destinations located on the western side of the nation’s main island.
Her group had gone to a nightclub district in town before one member was allegedly robbed and the 21-year-old was reportedly sexually assaulted in separate incidents.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Local politicians are concerned these incidents could hurt Fiji’s tourism-reliant economy, especially after seven visitors, including four Australians, fell ill after drinking cocktails at a five-star resort in December.
However the Australian government’s tourism website has not changed its advice for the Pacific nation.
It maintains that Australians should exercise normal safety precautions and highlights the possibility of crime, noting that the highest risk is in urban areas and at night.
The Virgin crew members stayed in their hotel near Nadi International Airport after the incidents and the airline sent support staff to Fiji.
The crew members returned to Australia last week.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
