A MAN convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl in 2023 has been jailed for 10 years with a non-parole period of seven years.
The 49-year-old, who was convicted earlier this year for a count of rape and sexual assault by High Court judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, had committed the act after he asked to use the bathroom in the girl’s house while she was studying for her school exams. She knew him as a grasscutter who usually worked in their compound.
According to the victim’s impact statement, she is scared to leave the house, scared of being around boys, and is unable to concentrate in school.
“You violated her in her own home, stripping (her) of any confidence that she is safe in her home,” stated Justice Tuiqereqere.
“The court must strike a balance between deterrence on the one hand and not discouraging rehabilitation on the other.
“The rape of a juvenile is a grave offence. No doubt, your conviction will have brought much hurt and shame to your own family.
“However, you have caused far greater harm to the (victim’s) family and to (the victim herself). You have taken from (her) what should have been joy and excitement of coming into adulthood.
“Instead, she has psychological scars that will be lifelong”.
