A former radiographer at Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the rape of a woman seeking medical assistance after enduring a traumatic experience. The man received his sentence from the High Court in Suva after being found guilty earlier this month on a charge of rape, an offense classified under the Crimes Act.
During the sentencing, Justice Thusara Rajasinghe emphasized the severe impact of rape, describing it as “one of the most humiliating and distressing crimes,” which not only violates an individual’s physical integrity but also erodes personal dignity and autonomy. The case stemmed from an incident on October 25, 2023, when the complainant went to the accused for a medical scan to verify a possible pregnancy following an earlier sexual assault and abduction incident.
Instead of performing the necessary medical procedure, the accused assaulted her by penetrating her vagina with his fingers without her consent. The judge highlighted the profound emotional and psychological harm caused to the victim, referencing findings from the Victim Impact Report, which indicated a significant blow to her self-confidence.
Justice Rajasinghe classified the accused’s actions as a profound breach of the trust that both the complainant and the healthcare system had placed in him. He stated, “Instead of assisting her in properly carrying out the requested medical procedure, you exploited the opportunity to satisfy your disgraceful sexual desire.”
The court determined a starting point of eight years’ imprisonment, which was elevated due to aggravating factors, including the breach of trust. After allowing a minor reduction based on age and prior character, the final sentence was set at nine years. A non-parole period of six years was also established, reflecting the need for both deterrence and community protection. The time served will amount to eight years and eleven months, with eligibility for parole after five years and eleven months.
This ruling serves not only as a form of justice for the victim but also highlights the judicial system’s commitment to addressing sexual offenses and reinforcing the importance of trust within professional roles. The decision sends a strong message about the consequences of abusing such trust and the gravity of sexual assault crimes.
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