Man charged over the alleged rape of Virgin Australia crew member arrives at court
A man charged over the alleged rape and sexual assault of a female airline crew member in Fiji has appeared in court as new claims emerge over the incident.
Ilaisa Tanoa, 24, was transported to the Nadi Magistrates Court in a police vehicle on Monday wearing a brightly colored shirt.
Tanoa was charged on Saturday after the alleged rape and sexual assault of a 21-year-old Virgin Australia flight crew member on New Year’s Day in Nadi, an international gateway to Fiji’s most popular tourist destinations.
She had gone to a nightclub district with colleagues before a member was allegedly robbed outside popular Bar One nightclub and the 21-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted in a separate incident.
Tanoa allegedly offered the young woman a ride to her hotel, posing as a taxi driver Daily Telegraph reported.
The woman, who was separated from her friends, tried to get home after being locked out of the nightclub at 1am.
The police investigation is ongoing.
Bar One issued a statement on Sunday following the incident.
Ilaisa Tanoa, 24, was escorted to the Nadi Magistrates Court in a police vehicle on Monday, wearing a brightly colored shirt.
He covered his head with the palm of his hand as he entered the court
“We would like to address the recent incident involving two Virgin Airlines crew members,” the club said in a social media post.
‘While we recognize the seriousness of the situation, we feel it is important to make it clear that this incident did not occur within Bar One, nor in the immediate vicinity of our establishment.
“The Virgin Airlines crew are regular customers at Bar One and we have never experienced similar incidents in the past. It is therefore disheartening to see our establishment shown in a negative light due to circumstances not directly related to our bar. ‘
The alleged incident occurred amid ongoing debates over Fiji’s lockout laws, which require businesses to close at 1am, replacing the previous closing time of 5am.
Local politicians are concerned the incidents could damage Fiji’s tourism-dependent economy, especially after seven visitors, including four Australians, fell ill after drinking cocktails at a five-star resort in December.
But the Australian government’s tourism website has not changed its advice for the Pacific country.
It states that Australians should take normal safety precautions and highlights the potential for crime, noting that the greatest risk is in urban areas and at night.
Virgin crew members stayed at their hotel near Nadi International Airport after the alleged incidents and the airline sent support staff.
Government travel advice to Fiji has not changed following alleged attacks on Virgin Australia crew
The crew members returned to Australia last week.
The alleged incidents came just weeks after Fiji hit global headlines when seven tourists – including four Australians – were hospitalized last month after drinking pina coladas at a bar at the swanky Warwick Resort.
Four Australian women aged between 18 and 56 were hospitalized in critical condition after consuming the drinks at the five-star resort.
They suffered from nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, with one victim’s friend telling Daily Mail Australia she was “foaming at the mouth” and having seizures.
A toxicology report had cleared the cocktails – and the source of the poisoning remains a mystery.
“I can confirm that no illegal substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or beverage samples,” Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said.
“All affected tourists and locals have now been discharged from medical care and fully recovered. This is a great relief.’
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028