A 27-year-old man has received a 12-year prison sentence, with an eight-year non-parole period, after being convicted of repeatedly raping his 13-year-old nephew and jeopardizing the boy’s safety with a secretly recorded nude video. The judgment was issued on November 28 by Justice Aruna Aluthge in the High Court in Lautoka.
The abusive incidents occurred between September 2020 and May 2021 while the victim, who had relocated to Sigatoka to pursue his education, was subjected to rape two to three times a week. In a disturbing twist, the perpetrator recorded the child in a vulnerable state and threatened to release the video and harm the boy should he disclose the abuse to anyone.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Aluthge characterized the crime as a “calculated, cruel and prolonged exploitation of a vulnerable child who looked to the offender as an uncle and protector.” The judge emphasized the severe nature of child rape, stating it ranks as “second only to murder” in terms of its gravity. She pointed out the necessity for the courts to send a strong deterrent message, especially in cases where children are harmed in their supposed safe havens.
“The prevalence of sexual offenses against children in this country demands that the courts respond with sentences that both punish the offender and protect other children through denunciation and deterrence,” Justice Aluthge asserted. This ruling underscores the justice system’s commitment to addressing child abuse and ensuring that offenders face severe consequences for their actions. The ruling serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and protective measures in safeguarding vulnerable members of society.
Leave a comment