A father who was convicted of raping his 16-year-old biological daughter in 2021 has had his appeal against his sentence rejected. He was sentenced to 16 years and five months in prison, with a non-parole period of 14 years, a ruling issued by the High Court in Lautoka on March 23, 2023. The court found him guilty of multiple counts of unconsented forceful sexual intercourse committed on several occasions between April 1 and September 18, 2021.
In appealing his conviction and sentence, the accused initially raised one ground against his sentence and two against his conviction. However, he later withdrew his appeal regarding the conviction during the Court of Appeal hearing. Justice Isikeli Mataitoga emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the lack of remorse from the appellant while examining the sentencing approach.
Justice Mataitoga explained that the trial judge did not err in their evaluation of the case and that the sentence should reflect the gravity of the crimes committed, especially given the evidence of two rape incidents. The judge noted that an initial 11-year imprisonment period was established, which is on the lower end of the established tariff range for such serious crimes. Justice Mataitoga considered the sentence appropriate, stating, “This is a generous sentence. The appeal against the sentence has no merit.”
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s commitment to addressing sexual crimes, particularly those involving family members, amid growing concerns about the protection of minors. Similar cases have been reported, with courts increasingly imposing severe penalties on offenders guilty of familial sexual abuse. Such judicial actions could foster a hope for greater accountability and enhanced protection for vulnerable individuals in society, reinforcing the need for community vigilance against such heinous acts.
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