The High Court in Suva has sentenced a man to 16 years and 10 months in prison after being convicted of raping his stepdaughter. The former primary school teacher was sentenced by Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, facing multiple charges including three counts of rape and one count each of indecent and sexual assault.
Evidence presented in court revealed that between 2017 and 2018, the man had sexually assaulted the victim in their home. At the time of the incidents, the complainant was 17 years old. Initially, the man had pleaded guilty to all five counts but was ultimately convicted following testimony from three witnesses, including the victim, during the trial.
While the judgment was delivered on September 27, the sentencing took place the following Friday. Justice Rajasinghe emphasized the emotional and psychological impact the crimes had on the victim, noting that the sexual exploitation of children in domestic settings poses a significant social threat.
The court found that the stepfather had carried out his offenses while the complainant was alone and vulnerable. He had exploited his role as a father figure, providing for her while simultaneously seeking sexual gratification.
Despite the victim and her mother forgiving him, the man continued to attempt to exploit her when possible. The court recognized only one mitigating factor: his previously good character built over 30 years as a primary school teacher.
He will serve his sentence with a non-parole period of 14 years and 10 months. Additionally, a permanent domestic violence restraining order has been issued against him, including standard no-contact and no-molestation conditions. Violations of this order could result in prosecution under Section 77 of the Domestic Violence Act.