A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison for two counts of rape, as determined by the Lautoka High Court. The court revealed that on December 15, 2020, the man offered a ride to his victim, who is deaf and mute, under the guise of taking her home.
Instead of driving her to her intended destination, he threatened her and took her to a hotel in Votualevu, where he had booked a room. The man then forcefully removed her from the vehicle and assaulted her in the room.
Justice Sunil Sharma, presiding over the case, emphasized that the accused had violated the trust of the victim by misleading her into getting into his car. The judge pointed out that the man took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability, considering her special needs.
Justice Sharma noted the discretion the accused exercised, recognizing that the victim’s condition made her particularly susceptible to his control. He remarked that rape inflicts deep psychological harm, leaving victims with enduring emotional scars.
The judge stated, “You have taken advantage of an innocent special needs individual. This court would fail in its duty if it did not impose a significant custodial sentence. The victim’s impact statement indicates that she remains emotionally and psychologically affected by these events.”
The convicted man has 30 days to file an appeal against his sentence and conviction.