The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after he was found guilty of raping his stepdaughter. The former primary school teacher was sentenced by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, who convicted him of three counts of rape, along with one count each of indecent assault and sexual assault.
Evidence presented in court revealed that between 2017 and 2018, the man had indecently and sexually assaulted the complainant, who was 17 years old at the time, in their home. Although he initially pleaded guilty to all counts, the State’s presentation of three witnesses, including the complainant, led to his conviction.
The judgment was delivered on September 27, but the sentencing occurred last Friday. Justice Rajasinghe noted that the victim’s report indicated the crime had profoundly impacted her emotionally and psychologically. He highlighted that the sexual exploitation of children in domestic settings poses a significant social threat.
The court found that the stepfather had committed the offenses while the complainant was alone and in a vulnerable position. Justice Rajasinghe remarked that rather than providing genuine care, the man exploited his role as a stepfather to manipulate and sexually gratify himself at the expense of his stepdaughter’s well-being.
Despite being forgiven by the complainant and her mother, the man attempted to re-engage in sexual assault when opportunities arose. The court, however, took into account his previously good character due to his 30 years of service as a primary school teacher when determining the sentence.
He will serve 14 years and 10 months before being eligible for parole. Additionally, the court has imposed a permanent domestic violence restraining order against him, which includes standard conditions of no molestation and no contact. Violating this order may result in prosecution under Section 77 of the Domestic Violence Act.