A taxi driver who was found guilty of raping a Dutch tourist last year is set to return to court today for his sentencing and mitigation hearing. The 33-year-old appeared in the High Court in Suva, presided over by Justice Daniel Goundar, although the case was not addressed during this session.

Earlier this month, the accused was convicted on several charges, including two counts of digital rape, as well as a count each for sexual assault and penile rape, stemming from an incident that took place on August 6 of the previous year. According to court documents, the 23-year-old victim had traveled to Fiji to participate in a voluntary internship with a non-governmental organization. Familiar with the accused, who picked her up from the airport and dropped her off at a resort, she later invited him to join her and her friends for an outing at the resort bar through her Snapchat account.

The situation escalated when the complainant began to feel uncomfortable walking alone with the accused along the beach. During this time, despite her repeated requests for him to stop, he proceeded to commit acts against her will. He only ceased his actions when he noticed her friend approaching. Even while the complainant sought comfort from her friend, the accused attempted to downplay the incident, insisting that the complainant was drunk and not to listen to her.

Currently, the accused has been remanded in custody, and the case has been postponed to a later date.

This case highlights the importance of providing safe environments for tourists, particularly in vulnerable situations. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to raise awareness about consent and to support victims in accessing justice. By addressing these issues, the community can work towards preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring the safety of all visitors.

In summary, a taxi driver convicted of sexual crimes against a tourist will be sentenced today, as the case emphasizes the critical need for awareness and advocacy surrounding consent and victim support.