Two men accused of raping a woman have been released on bail after their bids for conditional liberty were unopposed by the prosecution, which left a magistrate "curious" why it was unopposed for one defendant "when they appear to be such serious [alleged] offences".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Seti Moala, 26, and Paula Fala Kata, 33, faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday with both men facing two counts each of sexual intercourse without consent in company.
Mr Moala also faces one count of intentionally and unlawfully choking, suffocating or strangling.
Both men are accused of committing the offences on April 3.
They have not entered pleas to their charges in which the rape charges include them being allegedly reckless to whether the complainant consented.
Both applied for and was granted bail with the prosecution not opposing.
In Mr Moala's case, magistrate Beth Campbell said she was "curious as to why bail is not opposed when they appear to be such serious offences".
Prosecutor Sam Bargwanna said "my office has taken the view that conditions would ameliorate the risks of the defendant".
Ms Campbell said the bail conditions - which include residing in Granville, NSW, and to report to that local police station every day - were "quite strong in the circumstances".
MORE COURT AND CRIME NEWS
Mr Moala must also not be within 100m of a Lyneham residence except one time in the company of police to collect his personal belongings.
He must also not have any contact with a number of people, including his co-defendant, and surrender all passports to police.
If he fails to appear in court, he would need to forfeit $1000.
Similar conditions were also imposed on Mr Kata in addition to not being in Moncrieff unless for work purposes.
Both men, who needed an interpreter on Monday, are scheduled to front court again on May 10.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram