The High Court in Labasa has handed a 39-year-old man a 24-year prison sentence for a series of sexual abuse incidents involving his step-daughter, which were uncovered after the victim became pregnant. The man was found guilty in August of one count of indecent assault and three counts of rape after a trial presided over by Justice Lee Burney.
The abusive acts took place over a four-year period, from 2020 to 2023, while the victim was aged between 11 and 15. The court revealed that the abuse commenced with indecent assaults when the girl was in Class 6, escalating to rape incidents typically happening on Fridays when the girl came home from boarding school, and her mother was away at the market.
The case came to light in 2024 when it was discovered that the victim was pregnant, and she subsequently gave birth on June 17, 2024. During the sentencing, the State prosecutor presented a powerful Victim Impact Statement from the young woman, who cannot be named to ensure her identity is protected. In her statement, she expressed feelings of betrayal and devastation, asserting, “You made me pregnant. You ruined my life, my dreams, and the things I wanted to achieve in life. I hate you and I will never consider you as part of my family.”
Justice Burney characterized the accused’s actions as a “gross breach of trust,” stating that the man, who should have been her protector, had instead become her abuser. He emphasized the importance of denunciation in sentencing, asserting that it serves to shape societal values regarding sexual offences against children. “Education through denunciation reinforces law-abiding and decent citizens’ rejection of sexual abuse of children,” he remarked.
For his sentencing, Justice Burney set a head sentence of 24 years for the most recent rape committed in 2023 and determined a non-parole period of 15 years and five months. This means the offender must serve at least this duration before he may be eligible for parole. Additionally, the court mandated a Permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order against him, preventing any contact or molestation of the victim.
This case highlights the critical issues surrounding the sexual abuse of minors and the profound impact such crimes have on victims, which can resonate throughout their lives. The judiciary’s strong stance against such offences signifies a commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and fostering a sense of justice and security.
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