The High Court in Labasa has sentenced a foreman to a six-year jail term with a non-parole period of three years for raping his wife despite her refusal.
The 46-year-old, who has two daughters from his first marriage, was convicted on May 9 of two counts of rape committed on July 14, last year.
Justice Lee James Burney delivered the sentence on June 6 this year.
Court records show, the accused, the victim, and the two teenage daughters were at home at the time of the incident.
The accused paid a short social visit to his brother before returning home in the early evening, intoxicated.
His wife (victim) and daughters had already retired to bed.
After having his dinner, he went to the bedroom and tapped his wife to wake up, but she shrugged her shoulders to let him know that she did not wish to engage in any sexual activity with him.
Despite her rejections, the accused raped his wife before his 14-year-old daughter entered the bedroom after hearing the commotion.
In mitigation, the court heard that he has no previous convictions and is well-regarded at work and in the community.
He has 30 days to appeal.
