A married man convicted of raping his then 16-year-old stepdaughter multiple times has been jailed for 13 years and nine months.

The 38-year-old father-of-four was charged with more than 10 counts of rape for the sexual offences that took place from December 26, 2020 to September 25 a year later.

Court records show that on at least 10 occasions, the man, a subsistence farmer, had unconsented sexual relations with the victim.

In her impact statement, the girl submitted her stepfather had robbed her of her youth and his actions would remain with her for a long time.

“The victim was entitled to expect your protection and care, yet you abused your authority to commit these offences,” said Justice Usaia Ratuvili in his ruling delivered last Friday.

He said the man’s actions were a serious breach of trust and required a condign sentence that made it clear the courts would not condone such abuse.

“In calculating, your non-parole period, the court will promote the sentencing principle of deterrence over the principal of rehabilitation.

“The deterrence is both personally for you and generally for any like-minded offenders in a similar situation to you.”

The man will serve 11 years and nine months of his aggregate sentence before he can be considered for parole.