A 26 year-old convicted of raping his 15-year-old niece will be sentenced today.
Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull delivered her judgment earlier this week on two counts of rape and a count of indecent assault.
The man, who is in a defacto relationship with the complainant’s paternal auntie, allegedly had forceful sexual intercourse with the complainant in the toilet while she was trying to relief herself.
When she ran under the house, her uncle followed and raped her, while she was in pain and in the process of trying to escape, her stomach got hit with the tip of the roofing iron.
On another occasion, when she woke up from sleep found the accused laying on top of her. The incident occurred on January 22 and 28, 2022.
She did not inform her father due to personal issues but bought the matter to light to her teacher after she was scared of being pregnant.
The accused admits to having sexual intercourse, but with consent.
According to the judgment, prosecution lawyer Pooja Mishra has discharged its burden proving the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
“I observed the complainant’s demeanour in court. She gave evidence in a clear and simple way,” Justice Bull ruled.
“She was not evasive and appeared straightforward with her evidence. Under vigorous and sometimes loud cross-examination, she maintained throughout that the things she said the accused did to her did happen.”
The man, who is represented by lawyer Joji Cakau is remanded in custody pending sentence.
