Samuela Turaganivalu to stand trial over alleged Lilydale rape
A man arrested at Melbourne Airport in the aftermath of an alleged rape in Lilydale will stand trial.
Outer East
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A man accused of breaking into an eastern suburbs home and raping a woman will stand trial for his alleged crimes.
Samuela Turaganivalu, 32, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday accused of rape in Lilydale last year.
It is alleged that in the early hours of Sunday November 17, 2024, Mr Turaganivalu broke into the woman’s home before he raped her.
He was arrested by sex crime detectives at Melbourne Airport trying to board an international flight a few days later.
Mr Turaganivalu, who appeared in court via video link from Hopkins Correctional Centre, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, threats to kill, aggravated burglary, intentionally causing injury and criminal damage.
No details of the alleged crimes were aired to the court.
Mr Turaganivalu will face the County Court on June 11 for a directions hearing.
He will remain in custody until then.
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