A Savusavu youth who raped a minor in 2008 has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the High Court in Labasa. High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar said the offender was granted bail following his arrest but absconded bail and evaded the justice system.
He ordered a non-parole period of 12 years and told the youth that the nature and gravity of the offence warranted a lengthy prison sentence. “The victim was vulnerable due to her tender age,” Justice Goundar said.
“The offender attacked her body, privacy and security and has no remorse. The court’s duty is to denounce the crime and pass a deterrent sentence.
“The incident occurred in September 2008 and at that time, the victim was 8 years old and a Year 2 student. The offender was 18 years old.”
Justice Goundar said the offender warned the victim not to report the incident to anyone.
