Harvey accused sex offender pleads not guilty

The Vanuatuan national accused of sexually assaulting another man in a Harvey Park plans to fight the allegations in the District Court. Sakaraiah Yawiko, 33, appeared in Bunbury Magistrate court on Monday via video link from Bunbury Regional Prison where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of sexual penetration without consent. It comes just one week after he had his initial plea rejected by the court following confusion with his interpreter, as a result of the man’s language barrier. At the beginning of hearing, Magistrate Michelle Harries confirmed Mr Yawiko understood her, which he did, however an interpreter was later contacted to explain how the matters will be indicted to the District Court, and pleas were entered. Police allege on January 28 between 3am and 4am, Mr Yawiko sexually penetrated a man on three occasions at a park located on Hayward Street, Harvey. It is further alleged other people were present at the time the offending took place. During police investigations in February, detectives described the “traumatised” alleged victim as being “extremely brave” in coming forward with his allegations, asking the community to consider his welfare after becoming aware of rumours and online discussions of the incident. Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Martin said Harvey Beef, where Mr Yawiko worked, had been “extremely supportive” of the investigation. He said authorities had attended an event where foreign workers had an opportunity to ask police and the company questions about matters raised by the allegtions. The matter will return to the District Court in September for a trial listing hearing, with Mr Yawiko exempt from appearing.