Two men were sentenced in the High Court in Suva last month for heinous sexual offenses against their biological daughters. One of them, a 53-year-old, was handed a life sentence with a non-parole period of 18 years after pleading guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. He was convicted of repeatedly violating his daughter, starting when she was just five years old, over a period of five years.
According to the ruling on November 19, the abuse took place in their home, predominantly occurring during the mornings or after school when other family members were either absent or asleep. The father employed intimidation tactics, threatening his daughter with consequences such as being barred from school or denied new school shoes if she did not comply with his demands. Graphic details outlined the severity of the abuse, revealing an escalation of violence and manipulation.
During pre-sentencing proceedings, the man attributed his actions to supernatural forces, specifically claiming that demons were responsible for his crimes. He showed little remorse for his actions and refused to take responsibility, raising concerns about his prospects for rehabilitation.
In a separate but related case, a 48-year-old man was convicted of incest with his 18-year-old biological daughter and was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison, with a non-parole period of six years and six months.
These sentences serve as a stark reminder of the grave issue of sexual abuse within families and the importance of holding accountable those who perpetrate such acts. Justice Daniel Goundar’s rulings highlight the judicial system’s commitment to addressing and combating sexual violence against vulnerable individuals. The hope remains that these sentences can contribute to broader awareness and prevention efforts regarding sexual abuse in society.
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