The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after he was found guilty of raping his stepdaughter. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe imposed the sentence on the former primary school teacher, who was convicted on three counts of rape as well as 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 accused initially pleaded guilty to five counts but was ultimately found guilty after the prosecution called three witnesses, including the victim, during the trial. Although he was sentenced on September 27, the formal sentencing took place last Friday.
In delivering the verdict, Justice Rajasinghe highlighted the emotional and psychological harm the crimes had inflicted on the victim. He emphasized the rising issue of child sexual exploitation within domestic settings as a significant social concern. The court noted that the stepfather had committed the acts while the complainant was alone and unable to escape or seek help.
The judge remarked that despite fulfilling his responsibilities as a stepfather, the man manipulated his position to seek sexual gratification, exploiting the victim’s vulnerability and youth. Even after receiving forgiveness from both the stepdaughter and her mother, he attempted to assault her again when given the chance.
The court acknowledged the man’s previously good character during his 30 years as a primary school teacher as a mitigating factor. He will serve a non-parole period of 14 years and 10 months. Additionally, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been issued against him, which includes standard conditions prohibiting molestation and contact. Violating this order could lead to prosecution under Section 77 of the Domestic Violence Act.