The High Court in Lautoka jailed a man for five years and four months for attempting to rape a boy inside a mosque in Nadi.
The incident happened in January 2020 when the victim was eight years old and had gone to the mosque with his father for prayers. The 32-year-old attacked the boy inside the toilet.
“The accused and the victim belonged to the same mosque and were known to each other. The accused grossly breached the trust of the victim by what he did,” stated Justice Sunil Sharma in his May 25 ruling.
“There is some degree of planning by the accused. He knew prayers were about to start so there will be no one around in the washroom.
“The accused was bold and undeterred in what he did to the victim.
“The victim was supposed to be safe at the mosque but this was not to be due to the actions of the accused.
“You should be ashamed of what you have done to this child within the precinct of a holy place of worship. You cannot be forgiven for what you have done.
“You have not only brought shame to your family but also to all the Islamic worshippers, it is unacceptable that a place of worship has been used by you for your lust and sexual gratification.” Justice Sharma set a non-parole period of four years.
