A Suva High Court judge has sentenced a man to 14 years and nine months’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of raping his 15-year-old niece. Puisne Judge Pita Bulamainaivalu handed down the sentence in relation to an offence that occurred last year in Nasinu. The court set a non-parole period of 13 years and nine months.
Court records say the girl was at home doing chores while her father tended the garden and her mother was at work. Her paternal uncle came to use the toilet; after leaving the washroom he covered the girl’s mouth, dragged her into the bathroom, removed her clothes and raped her. The victim later told her father and the matter was reported to police the next morning. The man was arrested, interviewed under caution and charged.
Justice Bulamainaivalu described the offence as incestuous and heinous, noting that the victim was vulnerable and had trusted her uncle. He observed the assault occurred while the girl should have been safe at home and found that the attack caused significant emotional and psychological harm. In her Victim Impact Statement the girl said she no longer socialises with relatives, has lost trust in male family members, and feels pushed aside by some relatives.
The judge explained the sentencing breakdown: a 13‑year starting point, increased by six years for aggravating factors including breach of trust and the opportunistic nature of the attack, then reduced by four years for mitigating factors (the offender’s lack of prior convictions, age, family situation and income), with a further three months deducted for time already spent in custody — resulting in the 14 years, nine months term. A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order with non-contact conditions was also issued.
Additional comment and context
– This sentence is consistent with recent High Court rulings in Fiji that have imposed substantial penalties for sexual offences against minors committed by family members; judges have emphasised the serious breach of trust and the harm to victims.
– The court’s detailed explanation of how aggravating and mitigating factors affected the final term provides transparency about sentencing decisions, including credit for time in custody.
– The permanent restraining order aims to provide immediate legal protection for the victim while the criminal sentence serves both punishment and deterrence.
Brief summary
A man convicted of raping his 15-year-old niece in Nasinu was jailed for 14 years and nine months with a non-parole period of 13 years and nine months. The judge characterised the crime as incestuous and heinous, detailed the sentencing calculations, and issued a permanent non-contact restraining order.
Hopeful note
While the offence is deeply distressing, the victim’s decision to report the crime, the swift police action, and the court’s firm sentence demonstrate legal avenues working to hold offenders to account and offer protections to survivors. Continued community support, access to counselling and enforcement of restraining orders can help the victim and her family begin the process of recovery.
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