A man has been sentenced to 16 years and 10 months in prison by the High Court in Suva for the rape of his stepdaughter. The former primary school teacher, convicted by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, faced charges including three counts of rape and one count each of indecent and sexual assault.
Evidence presented in court revealed that between 2017 and 2018, the man repeatedly assaulted the victim in their home. At the time of the incidents, the complainant was 17 years old. The man initially pleaded guilty to all five counts but was found guilty after the State brought forward three witnesses during the trial, including the complainant herself.
The sentencing took place on September 27, while the formal sentencing was conducted the following Friday. Justice Rajasinghe emphasized the emotional and psychological impact the crime had on the victim. He warned that the sexual exploitation of children in domestic settings poses a significant social threat.
The court found that the man had carried out his crimes when the complainant was alone and unable to seek help. It was noted that although he provided for her as a father should, he also sought sexual gratification by exploiting her vulnerability due to her young age.
The judge pointed out that even after receiving forgiveness from his stepdaughter and her mother, the man continued to attempt further assaults whenever possible. While considering his previously good character and 30 years of service as a primary school teacher as a mitigating factor, the court ultimately imposed a lengthy sentence.
He will serve 14 years and 10 months without the possibility of parole. Additionally, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been put in place, enforcing standard no-molestation and no contact conditions. Violating this order could result in prosecution under the Domestic Violence Act.