A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to one year and ten months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting his daughter on eight separate occasions. The former marine engineer was found guilty of these crimes, which took place in their home in Suva between 2017 and 2022.
Court records reveal that the assaults occurred while the girl’s mother and other family members were asleep. The assaults began when the daughter was just 13 years old and continued until she turned 15. The situation came to light when the victim confided in her best friend at school, who subsequently alerted their teachers. This led to the involvement of law enforcement.
During the sentencing, Justice Waleen George stated that, under Section 18 of the Sentencing and Penalties Act, the defendant must serve a minimum of 11 months in prison before being eligible for parole. The convicted man has a 30-day window to appeal his sentence.
This case underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and the support systems in place within the community, as the prompt action of the victim’s friend and teachers ultimately led to justice being served. It serves as a reminder that victims can find the courage to come forward, and that there are paths to healing and justice.
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