A WOMAN has been jailed for 18 months for sexually assaulting her disabled step-daughter.
Suva Magistrate Sufia Hamza told the accused on Friday the courts would not condone sexual offences against young persons and in this case, a disabled young person.
The 31-year old woman pleaded guilty to the charge.
The court heard that on March 23, the accused grabbed the complainant while sitting next to her and made a "lovebite" on her neck. The court also heard the accused was feeling sexually aroused at the time.
The 17-year old informed an aunt of the assault.
In passing the sentence, Ms Hamza told the accused the complainant was her step-daughter and she held a position of trust over her which she'd breached.
Ms Hamza said the medical report revealed the complainant had reddish discolouration on her neck as a result of the assault.
In mitigation, the accused said she was a casual security officer and supported her family of three children and her disabled younger brother.
The accused sought forgiveness and promised not to re-offend but Ms Hamza said she found no compelling reason to suspend the sentence.