The trial of a military officer, Rajiv Padyachi, charged with attempted murder continued today in the Suva High Court.

The trial of a military officer, Rajiv Padhyachi, charged with attempted murder continued today in the Suva High Court.

Padhyachi took the stand and told the court that he used to spend a lot of time with the complainant but that the two were never in a relationship.

He also told the court that he was in an actual relationship with another girl for nine years which the complainant was aware of.

Padhyachi told the court that he always regarded the complainant as a very close friend and always refused her proposal of being in a relationship.

It was also revealed that Padhyachi had met the complainant with his fiancé at numerous times as well.

The court also heard that Padhyachi received a loan of $82,000 from the complainant.

The accused stated that the amount was a total of all the expenses the two had spent together when they used to go out for dinner or drinks.

He told the judge that after he disregarded her request of having a relationship, the complainant forced him to return her money which he started paying in instalments.

He also stated that on September 15th, the two went to Colo-i-Suva and he had pushed her into the pool while they were talking.

Padhyachi stated that he then jumped into the water and tried to bring her up to the surface and she held onto his head for support.

The accused also said that at that time, he saw some i-Taukei men nearby who helped them.

He said that he was taken to the police station after the complainant told the helpers that he tried to drown her.

Padhyachi said it was at this moment in time he realized that something was wrong as he was taken to the police station.

The trial continues tomorrow.