The High Court in Suva has sentenced a former primary school teacher to 16 years and 10 months in prison after he was found guilty of raping his stepdaughter. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe delivered the sentence, convicting the man on three counts of rape and one count each of indecent and sexual assault.
The court established that between 2017 and 2018, the man committed multiple acts of indecent and sexual assault against the complainant, who was 17 years old at the time. He had initially pleaded guilty to five charges but was ultimately found guilty following the testimony of three witnesses, including the victim.
The judgement was issued on September 27, but the sentencing took place the following Friday. Justice Rajasinghe highlighted the significant emotional and psychological impact the crimes had on the victim. He noted that the sexual exploitation of children within their homes poses a serious social issue.
The court found that the stepfather executed these acts when the victim was alone and unable to escape or seek help. He provided her with needs typical of a father but simultaneously manipulated her vulnerability to seek sexual gratification, amounting to emotional extortion.
Despite being forgiven by his stepdaughter and her mother, he continued to attempt sexual assault when opportunities arose. The court acknowledged his previously good character as a mitigating factor, given his 30 years of service 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, with conditions prohibiting contact or molestation. Violating this order could result in prosecution under the Domestic Violence Act.