A fifty-seven-year-old man alleged to have raped an eleven-year-old girl has pleaded not guilty to his charges.

The man is charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.

It is alleged the attacked took place after the accused lured the victim with biscuits and noodles when she had gone to collect coconuts in their village in the Lau group.

The man allegedly raped the girl between January 16th and April 21st in 2017.

The case has been transferred to the Suva High Court after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution amended the charges.

ODDP had previously presented the case before the Magistrates court as the accused was charged for defilement.

In court, Judge Justice Daniel Goundar denied his bail application which was granted by the Magistrates Court.

Justice Goundar said the offence was serious and if the accused were to be released on bail it could threaten the safety of the victim.

The matter has been adjourned to November 12th for hearing.