A MAN convicted of raping his 13-year-old niece at a village in Naitasiri was in tears yesterday as he promised not to re-offend.
The married man, 49, with three children aged 18, 13 and 14, appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu at the High Court in Suva for sentencing hearing submissions.
He was charged with four counts of sexual assault and a count each of rape and indecent assault.
The court was told the victim had gone to the home of her uncle to return an item that belonged to his daughter. There, the accused forcefully took her and committed the offences.
The matter was reported to the Vunidawa Police Station by the victim’s mother.
His lawyer Atama Waqanivavalagi submitted that his client had acknowledged his wrongdoings and was remorseful for his actions.
Mr Waqanivavalagi said it was impossible to approach the complainant’s family given that his client had been remanded for five months.
He had also submitted letters from a village headman and a church pastor stating his positive impact on the church and community.
Justice Bulamainaivalu, however, said individuals vouching for the convicted man needed to be articulate because the contents of the letter were unclear. He added, however, he would take it into consideration.
Meanwhile, the State is seeking a 10-year sentence. The man has been further remanded until sentencing on March 18.
