Hattieville Father on Remand for Rape of 17-Year-Old Daughter

A Hattieville father is on remand tonight after being accused of raping and sexually assaulting his 17-year-old daughter. The man, a 43-year-old farmer, was denied bail during his arraignment today. Police allege that between July 1 and July 31, 2025, the father repeatedly touched his daughter inappropriately. He is also accused of raping her on Monday. At his arraignment before Magistrate Mannon Dennison, the father was read two charges: rape and sexual assault. He appeared unrepresented and was not asked to enter a plea. A police sergeant, acting as prosecutor, told the court that the case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision on whether the sexual assault charge will be tried at the lower court or the high court. The prosecutor heavily objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the father’s relationship to the victim. The prosecutor also expressed concern for the safety of the victim and the accused, noting that the father did not have a fixed address. When asked why he should be granted bail, the father said he did not understand the question or the charges against him. Magistrate Dennison explained the charges, but the father had no response when asked for a reason to grant bail. Magistrate Dennison agreed with the prosecutor and denied bail. The father is scheduled to return to court on October 17, 2025. He was informed that he can apply for bail at the High Court with the assistance of an attorney.