RAPE is always a serious offence, it carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and it is the worst form of sexual assault on an individual.
High Court in Suva judge Justice Salesi Temo made this comment while sentencing a 51-year-old man to eight years behind bars for raping a 14-year-old girl.
The incident occurred on January 24, 2011 when the accused was 49 years old.
The accused grabbed the victim while she was walking on a beach.
The accused is married with five children and is a subsistence farmer.
In his sentencing, judge Justice Temo said the accused held a position of an elder in the village, and consequently was in a position of trust.
"As an elder, you were supposed to look after and care for the village children," he said.
"The complainant was old enough to be your child, yet you exploited the trust she previously held for you.
"This was a serious breach of trust by a village elder and for this breach of trust, you will have to accept that your liberty will have to be forfeited," Justice Temo said.