A former church pastor charged with alleged sexual misconduct with a family member appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday.

Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma ordered a temporary suppression order for the defendant and victim.

The defendant's lawyer Luaipou Ann Matalasi requested an adjournment to negotiate final charges with the prosecution

The initial charges include one of sexual connection and one of indecent assault on four different occasions.

The alleged offences started between 30 September 2023  and 1 November 2023.

The second alleged incident occurred between 29 February 2024 and 1 April 2024 while the third alleged incident was on 21 May 2024.

The last initial charge was based on an incident which happened between 30 April 2024 and 1 June 2024.

The prosecution agreed to an adjournment for the police to finalise charges against the defendant.

Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma postponed the matter to 17 February for the defence counsel and the prosecution to negotiate final charges against the defendant.

A 19-year-old man also appeared before the Supreme Court criminal also charged with alleged sexual misconduct.

Justice Fepuleai also ordered temporary name suppression for the defendant and victim because of the defendant's young age.

He is represented by Quentin Sauaga. 

The matter was adjourned by Justice Fepuleai to 17 February for defence counsel to obtain full instructions from his client.