The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after he was convicted of raping his stepdaughter. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe imposed the sentence on a former primary school teacher who was found guilty of three counts of rape, along with one count each of indecent and sexual assault.
The offenses took place on multiple occasions between 2017 and 2018, during which the man indecently and sexually assaulted the victim in their home. At the time of the incidents, the complainant was just 17 years old.
Although the man initially pleaded guilty to five charges, a trial was held where the State called three witnesses, including the complainant, leading to his subsequent conviction. The sentencing judgment was delivered on September 27, but the formal sentencing took place the following Friday.
In his remarks, Justice Rajasinghe highlighted the emotional and psychological toll the crime had taken on the victim, noting that sexual exploitation of children in their domestic settings has emerged as a significant social issue. The court determined that the stepfather executed his offenses while the complainant was alone and without the ability to escape or seek help.
The judge noted that the perpetrator had exploited his role as a stepfather, providing for the victim’s needs while simultaneously seeking sexual gratification, thus emotionally extorting her due to her vulnerability and youth. The court found that even after being forgiven by both the stepdaughter and her mother, the man attempted to assault her again whenever the opportunity arose.
While considering the mitigating factors, the court took into account his previously good character from a 30-year career as a primary school teacher. He will serve his sentence with a non-parole period of 14 years and 10 months.
Additionally, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been issued against him, including standard conditions prohibiting molestation and contact with the victim. Breaching this order may result in prosecution under Section 77 of the Domestic Violence Act.