A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by the High Court in Lautoka for raping and sexually abusing his 12-year-old niece over a one-year period.
Delivering the sentence, Justice Aruna Aluthge highlighted several aggravating factors, including the significant age gap between the accused and the victim. The victim, who lived with her uncle under his care and protection, would never have expected such crimes from him. Additionally, it was noted that the offences appeared premeditated.
In terms of mitigating factors, Justice Aluthge acknowledged that the accused had cooperated with police during the investigation, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, had no prior convictions, and maintained a clear record.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the accused entered the victim’s bedroom while she was at home. He approached her while she was sitting on her bed, instructed her to close the door, and then raped her.
The abuse continued between February 1, 2023, and September 13, 2023, with the accused repeatedly entering the complainant’s bedroom to rape her.
On September 16, 2023, while the complainant was home with her siblings, the accused sent the siblings to plant cabbage and instructed the complainant to tidy her room. He then entered her room and raped her again. Following this incident, the matter was reported, the complainant was medically examined, and the accused was arrested on September 20, 2023. He was subsequently charged and produced in the Lautoka Magistrates Court.