A 42-year-old father facing rape charges has been denied bail by the Suva High Court.

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar said if the accused is bailed, there are high chances of him interfering with the victim and witnesses.

The judge also stated there is a high possibility of the accused not turning up during the trial.

It is alleged that between 2017 and 2018, the accused allegedly raped his stepdaughter in Nausori who was under 18 years of age.

The accused has been charged with two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The matter will be recalled on 10th September for a pre-trial conference.