The High Court in Lautoka has sentenced 20-year-old to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, after he pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman at a homestay in the Yasawa Islands earlier this year.
The man was initially charged with rape and assault causing actual bodily harm but was acquitted of the rape charge after pleading not guilty. He, however, admitted to the assault charge under Section 275 of the Crimes Act 2009.
The incident occurred on July 6, 2025, when the victim, a foreign national was staying at a homestay in Waya Lailai.
She woke to find the accused inside her room. When she confronted him, he punched her in the face before fleeing. The victim sustained bruises and abrasions to her face, arms, and legs.
Justice Sunil Sharma, in delivering the sentence on November 11, described the attack as “a gross violation of the victim’s privacy and safety.”
He said the court considered the “objective seriousness” of the offence, noting the prevalence of similar crimes in Fiji’s tourism areas.
“The victim was entitled to feel safe in her accommodation. That expectation was shattered by the accused’s actions,” Justice Sharma said.
However, the court also took into account the accused’s youth, remorse, cooperation with police, and his participation in a church-led rehabilitation program.
“These special circumstances render immediate imprisonment inappropriate,” the judge said.
The court set a six-month jail term which was suspended for two years, meaning he will not serve prison time unless he reoffends during that period.
