A 29-YEAR-OLD convicted of sexually assaulting his five-year-old cousin has been sentenced to two years and three months in jail.
Following a full trial, Justice Waleen George found the man not guilty of a count of rape and was acquitted forthwith.
However, based on the evidence adduced by the State, the court found the man guilty of a lesser offence of sexual assault committed at one of the settlements in Suva.
At the time of the offence, the man lived next door to the victim and was well acquainted. The court notes there is no evidence of injuries or pre-planning.
On March 6, Justice George also ordered that the man would not be eligible for parole until he has served one-year and three months of the head sentence.
Parties not in agreement with the decision have 30 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
