Man told to find a lawyer

A court has allowed time for a man charged with abducting and raping an underaged girl to find a lawyer.
Raymond Ipata, who allegedly abducted and raped the girl, was served a police brief at the Waigani Committal Court last week.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar told Ipata to find a lawyer to assist him.
“Look for a lawyer to look through your files and assist you,” he told Ipata.
Bidar said he would allow a month’s adjournment so that Ipata could find a lawyer. He adjourned the case to Aug 11 for submissions.
Police alleged that Ipata, from Yango village in Laiagam, Enga, abducted a child from the side of the road while she was on her way home from the Waikele market at Gerehu after buying vegetables for her sister-in-law. The girl’s age was not specified.
Ipata allegedly pulled the victim by the hand and dragged her into his vehicle before driving to his mother’s rental property. Ipata took the victim into one of the rooms and allegedly raped her. He kept the girl against her will until the next day.
A police report said Ipata’s wife found out afterwards and tried to fight with the victim but Ipata kept her behind locked doors until 7pm the next day before freeing her. The matter was reported to police.
Ipata was charged with one count of sexual penetration and abduction. He appeared on an extended bail.