The High Court of Fiji has imposed a two-year prison sentence, wholly suspended for five years, on a juvenile found guilty of multiple sexual offences involving two children.
In a judgment delivered in Lautoka, the court found the offender — identified only as O.V. due to legal suppression orders — guilty of one count of indecent assault, one count of sexual assault, and three counts of rape involving two victims under the age of 13.
The offences occurred in 2022 when the offender was 16 years old and the victims were eight and eleven. The court heard that the offender was related to both victims and lived in the same household as one of them.
Evidence presented during the trial detailed several incidents of sexual abuse that took place in the family home. Medical examination later confirmed injuries consistent with sexual penetration.
In sentencing, the court identified several aggravating factors, including the victims’ young age, the abuse of trust within a family setting, and the vulnerability of the children.
However, the court also considered mitigating factors, noting the offender’s age at the time, his lack of previous convictions, cooperation with police and expressions of remorse.
The judge noted that under the Juveniles Act, punishment for young offenders is capped at two years imprisonment.
Taking this into account, the court imposed an aggregate sentence of two years imprisonment, but suspended the term for five years.
A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also issued prohibiting the offender from any contact with the victim
