A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting his daughter on multiple occasions. The former marine engineer was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault that took place at their home in Suva between 2017 and 2022.
The assaults happened while the daughter’s mother and other family members were asleep. The initial incident occurred when the girl was just 13 years old, and the abuse continued until she was 15. The situation came to light when the victim confided in her best friend at school, who subsequently informed teachers, leading to a police investigation.
Justice Waleen George, delivering the judgment at the High Court in Suva, noted that the man would not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 11 months of his sentence. He has 30 days to appeal the decision.
This troubling case serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and seeking help. The victim’s courage in sharing her experience highlights the critical role that support systems—like friends and teachers—play in addressing such serious issues.
It is essential for communities to remain vigilant and supportive, ensuring that individuals feel safe to report abuse and receive the help they need. Justice has taken its course, and hopefully, both the victim and her family can begin to heal and find peace moving forward.
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