Court revokes man’s bail
The High Court has revoked the bail of a Tailevu farmer convicted of raping his 15-year-old niece. He is being remanded in custody pending sentencing, The man was found guilty of a count of rape committed at Nasinu on May 10 last year. Court records show that on this day, the victim was washing dishes when her uncle came out of the toilet, covered her mouth and dragged her into the bathroom where he proceeded to rape her. She tried screaming and even begged him to stop but he refused. The matter was reported to the Nasinu Police Station. On June 27, Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu rejected the account given by the man on the basis that he was not a credible and reliable witness, while he accepted and believed the testimonies of the victim and prosecution witnesses. The case has been adjourned for a sentencing hearing on July 11.
High court judge dismisses appeal ofman jailed for possession of drugs
An unemployed man jailed for being in possession of more than 2000 grams of marijuana has had his appeal against his 23-month sentence dismissed. Anasa Masi, 39, was sentenced by the magistrate’s court on January 22 this year after pleading guilty to a count of unlawful possession of 2638 grams of marijuana. Masi was caught transporting the drugs from Kadavu to Suva inside his suitcase on the vessel Lomaiviti Princess on Christmas Eve last year. He was apprehended with the help of the police K9 unit. His petition to appeal to the High Court in Suva was delayed by approximately three months, with his main complaint being against the severity of his sentence. Court records also show Masi has a long list of previous convictions under the name Anasa Masiradia for property-related offences. “I am satisfied that there is no material in the circumstances of this case which could lead to the conclusion that the sentence ought to be reduced,” stated Justice Daniel Goundar on July 3.
Rapist step dad jailed
A married man convicted of raping his 12-year- old stepdaughter has been jailed for 15 years. The 34-year-old, who has two children, was found guilty by the High Court in Suva of a count of rape committed on September 18 and December 21, 2022. Court records show the victim was awakened by the man after the family had celebrated her younger brother’s birthday. She tried to refuse his demands, but his anger made her cooperate. The man then made her watch an explicit adult movie before raping her for six minutes. On another occasion, around midnight, the man switched off the lights before raping the victim in the living room for eight minutes while everyone was asleep. According to the victim impact statement, the girl is now worried about who will look after her, and that she could be taken to a care home. She also dislikes her mother because she did not believe what her stepfather had done to her. The victim also does not like relatives who question her about the incidents, including rumours that have spread in the community. Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu issued a Permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order on July 4 against the man. He will be eligible for parole after serving 14 years of his sentence.
