A married man accused of raping a 23-year-old work colleague during a massage session has been convicted by the High Court in Suva.
On Tuesday, Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu found the 36-year-old security guard of a Lami supermarket guilty of a count each of sexual assault and rape.
The victim, who was employed as a cashier at the same supermarket, had accepted the accused’s offer to live with him and his wife because of issues at her hostel.
The court was told the victim had suffered back and stomach pains since she was young after being allegedly raped by her grandfather.
She knew the accused as a masseur, and on November 1 two years ago, she asked for his professional help. But while massaging her, he began touching her inappropriately and then proceeded to have unconsented, forceful sexual intercourse with her.
She tried resisting him but was unsuccessful and subsequently fainted.
The accused denied the allegations, claiming nothing happened between them besides the massage, but Justice Bulamainaivalu rejected his claims and accepted the testimonies of the complainant and her boyfriend. The accused is remanded in custody and the case adjourned to June 6 for sentencing.
