Prosecution files 10 counts against Taveuni pastor

Jone Cokanauto, the 54-year-old leader of the Jezreel Lion of Judah church appeared for mention at the Suva High Court before Judge Justice Salesi Temo.

The prosecution filed ten counts of consolidated information which included multiple counts of rape and indecent assault that allegedly occurred between 2005, 2006 and 2012.

Cokanauto’s lawyer Simione Valenitabua requested the court for 28 days to review these files of consolidated information.

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo asked prosecution if they had any objections to the bail being continued.

DPP lawyer Meli Vosawale said Cokanauto has been complying with his bail conditions and has not been breached any condition.

Justice Temo considered the information given by the prosecution and granted bail.

The case has been adjourned for plea on the 3rd of June 2016.

Jone Cokanauto, the leader of the Jezreel Lion of Judah church, was yesterday charged with another count of rape.

Prosecutors filed and served disclosures for rape alleged to have occurred in 2005.

The documents were filed before Justice Priyantha Fernando who has since adjourned the case to 22 February, to give the prosecutors time to file information.

Cokanauto already faces a count of rape and indecent assault before the High Court in Suva and a separate rape charge in Taveuni.