The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after he was found guilty of raping his stepdaughter. The verdict was delivered by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, who convicted the former primary school teacher on three counts of rape, as well as one count each of indecent assault and sexual assault.
Evidence presented in court indicated that between 2017 and 2018, the man sexually assaulted the victim in their home, during times when she was alone and unable to seek help. At the time of the incidents, the complainant was just 17 years old.
Initially, the man pleaded guilty to five counts but was ultimately found guilty following a trial in which the state called three witnesses, including the victim. While the judgment was rendered on September 27, sentencing took place the following Friday.
Justice Rajasinghe commented on the profound emotional and psychological impact the crime had on the victim. He emphasized that sexual exploitation of minors in domestic settings is a significant societal issue.
The court noted the perpetrator had abused his role as a stepfather, providing for the complainant’s needs while simultaneously exploiting her vulnerability for his own sexual gratification.
Even after being forgiven by his stepdaughter and her mother, the man continued to attempt sexual assaults whenever he found opportunities. The court did take into account his previously good character as a teacher for 30 years during sentencing.
He will serve 14 years and 10 months of his sentence without the possibility of parole, and a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been placed against him with conditions prohibiting contact with the victim. Violating this order could result in prosecution under the Domestic Violence Act.