“YOU betrayed all that trust from the moment you started touching me, raping me. You made me pregnant.”
Those were the words of a 15-year-old girl in a letter to her 39-year-old stepfather, who repeatedly raped and impregnated her in Labasa.
The farmer was sentenced on October 9 to 24 years in prison with a non-parole period of 15 years.
“I grew up without a father,” the victim wrote. “I never knew my biological father. When my mother settled with you, I was happy, knowing that you would protect me.
“Knowing that you will be the one I run to if I need anything. I see you as a real father, not a stepfather. You ruined my life, my dreams, and the things I wanted to achieve in life.
“I will never forgive the horrible things that you have done to me. I hate you, and I will never consider you as part of my family. You need to pay for the crime that you have committed.”
Court records show the abuse began in 2020 when the victim was in Class 6, and continued through 2023 while her mother was away selling produce.
The girl gave birth to a baby in June last year. The man denied paternity and called her a liar.
Justice Lee James Burney told him to reflect on the harm caused and to engage in rehabilitation programs while in custody.
