A 22-year-old man convicted of raping his 12-year-old cousin has been sentenced to serve seven out of a 10-year prison term before becoming eligible for parole. The sentencing took place on Wednesday at the High Court in Suva.
The accused, who is also a father to a four-year-old boy and has a partner expecting their second child, committed the crime on November 13, 2022, while staying at his grandparents’ house along with the victim. According to court records, the incident occurred late at night while the young girl was asleep. After the assault, she managed to escape the house once the perpetrator returned to his room.
The following day, the girl informed her teacher about the attack, prompting the teacher to report it to the authorities.
Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, during the court proceedings, emphasized the violation of the victim’s trust, stating, “She was only 12 years old and would have felt safe sleeping over at her grandparents’ home. You took advantage of her young age… You have robbed her of her innocence and her childhood.” He remarked on the harmful psychological impact this crime could have on the victim, particularly her ability to trust men in her life.
The judge acknowledged that the court typically offers leniency to young first-time offenders but stressed the necessity of safeguarding the victim and allowing for the possibility of the accused’s rehabilitation. It was also noted that the man is undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition.
In addition to the prison sentence, Justice Tuiqereqere issued a domestic violence restraining order against the accused and established standard non-molestation and non-contact conditions. The Fiji Corrections Service has been instructed to ensure that he continues to receive appropriate treatment while incarcerated.