The Suva High Court has sentenced an 84-year-old man to prison for rape, delivering justice nearly two decades after the crime was committed. The case, which dates back to 2008, involved the man, then 66 years old, who raped a young girl whom he was regarded as a grandfather figure.
During the sentencing process, the court dismissed the defense’s argument that the man’s advanced age should mitigate his punishment. The judge characterized his actions as not only degrading but also a profound breach of trust towards a vulnerable victim. The court emphasized that age does not exempt individuals from accountability for criminal behavior, reiterating the importance of setting a precedent that such offenses will not be tolerated, irrespective of the age of the perpetrator.
The court ultimately imposed a prison sentence with a fixed non-parole period of five years. It also recognized the lasting trauma endured by the victim, underscoring the necessity of protecting children and ensuring that offenders face consequences for their actions, no matter how much time has elapsed since the crime occurred. This ruling serves not only as a measure of justice for the victim but also as a reminder of the community’s commitment to safeguarding its children.
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