A Tongan pilot accused of rape is applying for a variation of bail so he can leave the country pending his hearing which is not until another five months. 

Mikaele Halafili also known as Mikaele Paea He Lotu Mateo is unable to leave the country because of a Departure Prohibition Order issued and granted by the Supreme Court in October this year. 

In the Supreme Court on Monday through his lawyer Alex Sua, the pilot applied to amend his bail conditions so he could leave the country. 

Prosecutor and Attorney General’s Office lawyer Maiavatele Timothy Fesili strongly opposed the application with the uncertainty that he might not return to answer to charges against him. 

Supreme Court Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma noted the position from the prosecution and asked to have their written submission by next Monday. 

The Tongan national is 26-years-old of Vailele and New Zealand. 

He has already pleaded not guilty to two counts of rape and two counts of sexual conduct with a person under 16-years-old earlier this year. 

The alleged offending took place on 21 September 2024 at Vailele with the complainant being a 15-year-old from New Zealand and Tonga. 

The hearing for the Tongan pilot who worked for Talofa Airways is scheduled for 12 May next year.