A juvenile has been sentenced to five months in prison after being found guilty of one count of sexual assault and two counts of rape by the High Court in Suva. The offenses took place in Navua between January and May 2024.
Justice Usaia Ratuvili, in his ruling on September 26, noted that the crimes were committed against the juvenile’s younger half-sister. A psychiatric evaluation indicated that he was aware of his actions during the offenses, and his behavior following the incidents confirmed this awareness. The juvenile admitted his actions to the police during the investigation and maintained his confession through to his court arraignment, where he entered a guilty plea.
Justice Ratuvili emphasized the gravity of the breach of trust, stating that as an older sibling, he should have protected his sister instead of causing her harm. Additionally, the judge has imposed a domestic violence restraining order against the juvenile.