The High Court in Lautoka has sentenced a man to over 12 years in prison for the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Nadi. The court determined that he would be eligible for parole after serving nine years.
The incident occurred on May 1 of last year, when the victim was making her way to school. The court was informed that the assailant followed and raped her before she managed to reach a friend’s house, where she disclosed the event to her mother. This led to authorities being informed. During the trial, the defense argued that the accused was a first-time offender aged 18 at the time of the crime, stressing he sought forgiveness and expressed remorse.
Justice Sunil Sharma highlighted the severity of the offense, pointing out that the victim was in a vulnerable state and alone, making her an easy target. He emphasized that the offender’s brazen act in a public space demonstrated a severe disregard for the safety of others.
In comparison, similar cases have led to sentences emphasizing the need for deterrent measures against child sexual violence in Fiji. Justice Aruna Aluthge, in previous rulings, has noted the responsibility of the judiciary to protect vulnerable children, reflecting a broader trend in judicial responses aiming to combat the increasing incidence of such crimes.
The sentenced individual has 30 days to appeal the decision.
It’s essential to recognize the efforts of the judicial system to deliver justice in such grave situations, and the reinforcement of protective measures for children continues to be a critical societal necessity.
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