A 67-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape of his daughter, as decided by the High Court in Lautoka. The judge has mandated that he must serve at least 12 years before he can be considered for parole. The offenses took place over the course of 2002 when the victim was only 12 years old. Justice Aruna Aluthge emphasized that the crimes were premeditated—a point underscored by the father’s actions in creating an opening in his daughter’s bedroom floor to facilitate the abuse.
During the court proceedings, it emerged that the man had threatened his daughter, which kept her from reporting the incidents for many years. It was only in June 2023 that she felt safe enough to inform the police about the abuse. In his defense, the man’s attorney noted that he is a first-time offender with no prior convictions, a father of seven, and has reached the age of 67 without a criminal history.
Justice Aluthge pointed out the severity of the crimes, commenting on the substantial age gap between the perpetrator and the victim and the long-lasting psychological effects on the young girl. This case highlights the serious nature of familial abuse and the need for accountability, especially in light of recent similar cases where offenders have faced significant penalties for sexual crimes against family members. Such rulings could inspire hope for better protection for minors against abuse, fostering a culture of accountability and safety for the vulnerable.
The man has the option to appeal his sentence within the next 30 days at the Court of Appeal in Suva.
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