The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after being convicted of raping his stepdaughter. The former primary school teacher was found guilty of three counts of rape, as well as one count each of indecent assault and sexual assault, by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe.
The court heard that the man assaulted the complainant, who was 17 at the time, multiple times between 2017 and 2018 in their home. Although he initially pleaded guilty to all five charges, a trial was conducted during which the State presented evidence from three witnesses, including the victim.
During the sentencing on September 27, Justice Rajasinghe noted that the victim’s testimony revealed the emotional and psychological damage caused by the offenses. The judge emphasized that the sexual exploitation of children in domestic settings poses a significant societal threat.
The court found that the stepfather committed the crimes when the complainant was alone and vulnerable, taking advantage of his role to exploit her. Furthermore, despite being forgiven by both the complainant and her mother, he continued to seek out opportunities for further assaults.
In considering sentencing, the court acknowledged the defendant’s previously good character as a primary school teacher for three decades. He will serve a non-parole period of 14 years and 10 months.
Additionally, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been issued against him, which includes conditions prohibiting molestation and contact with the victim. Violating this order could result in prosecution under Section 77 of the Domestic Violence Act.