A 56-year-old man has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in prison with a non-parole period of eight years and four months for raping and assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Suva. The sentencing came from the Suva High Court after the man was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault, and one count of rape.
The incidents occurred in August 2022 when the victim was traveling in the man’s vehicle. The court was told that upon reaching his destination to pick up his daughter, the man committed the rape. Additionally, he assaulted her again in March 2023 while she was visiting his home.
During the trial, it was revealed that the victim has been struggling with the emotional consequences of the assaults, expressing a loss of trust in people’s motives. She indicated that, although she felt she had begun to heal, memories of the trauma continue to affect her life, leading to ongoing fear and depression.
In the hearing, the defense presented the man’s role as the family’s sole breadwinner, responsible for caring for both his mother and mother-in-law, as a mitigating factor. Moreover, the accused was noted to be a first-time offender with serious medical conditions.
The court acknowledged the profound impact of the crime on the victim, issuing a permanent domestic violence restraining order against the man to prevent further contact or intimidation.
This case underscores the serious societal issue of sexual violence and the long-term psychological effects on victims. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring justice for those who have suffered such violations.
Leave a comment