A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape by the Lautoka High Court.
The court proceedings revealed that on December 15, 2020, the man offered a ride to a victim with special needs, who is both deaf and mute, claiming he would drop her home. Instead of taking her to her residence, he threatened her and diverted to a hotel in Votualevu, where he booked a room.
In a premeditated act, the man forcibly removed the victim from the vehicle, led her to the hotel room, and assaulted her. Justice Sunil Sharma emphasized that the accused had betrayed the victim’s trust by not only failing to take her where she requested but also by subjecting her to sexual violence.
The judge noted the significant premeditation involved, particularly after the accused recognized the victim’s disabilities. He indicated that the man exploited the victim’s situation, maintaining control over the vehicle and the circumstances to inflict harm.
Justice Sharma highlighted the profound impact of rape, stating that it damages not only the physical integrity of the victim but also their human dignity, leaving enduring psychological scars that can lead to feelings of self-blame and hopelessness long after the physical wounds have healed.
“You have taken advantage of an innocent special needs individual. This court will be failing its duty if a long-term deterrent custodial sentence is not imposed. According to the victim impact statement, the victim continues to be emotionally and psychologically affected by the incident,” Justice Sharma remarked.
The sentenced man has the option to appeal both his sentence and conviction within the next 30 days.