The High Court has jailed a 34-year man to 15 years in prison for the rape of his 12-year-old stepdaughter.
The High Court in Suva convicted him on one count of rape, describing the crime as an “incestuous and heinous” betrayal of trust that caused severe emotional and psychological trauma to the victim.
The court judge, Justice Pita Bulamainavalu noted in his July 4 ruling the increasing prevalence of child rape in Fiji, labelling it a “scourge and menace” to society that demands urgent and holistic measures for deterrence and prevention.
In delivering the sentence, the judge underscored the need to balance punishment, retribution, and rehabilitation, imposing a 15-year custodial term with a non-parole period of 14 years.
“This is an incestuous and heinous rape of a vulnerable 12 year old girl and a primary school student, and also a blatant betrayal of trust by the accused who was a 31 year male adult at the time of the rape, married to JIL’s (not real name) biological mother, deemed and obliged to uphold good morals and values, protect and prevent vulnerable young girls like JIL from being raped and sexually abused,” said the judge.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court issued a Permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) under the Domestic Violence Act 2009.
The DVRO includes standard non-molestation and non-contact orders, prohibiting the accused from approaching or contacting the victim, ensuring her ongoing protection.
