The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 13 years and 11 months in prison after he was found guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape. The sentencing took place on Wednesday before High Court Judge Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu.
The man was convicted of three counts of sexual assault under section 210 (1) (a) of the Crimes Act 2009 and two counts of rape in accordance with section 207 (1) and 2 (b) of the same act. The offenses took place between June and December 2020 in Naikawaga Village, Tailevu, where he unlawfully and indecently assaulted the victim. Additionally, between January and December 2018 in the same location, he penetrated the victim without consent.
The court noted that the accused pleaded guilty to all five charges. Justice Bulamainaivalu stated that, based on legal guidelines and previous Supreme Court rulings, a non-parole period of 12 years was established for this case. The defendant has the right to appeal the sentence within 30 days.