THE High Court in Labasa has sentenced a man to 12 years and 11 months imprisonment for raping his 16-year-old niece last year.
The offender was found guilty and convicted of one count of rape by the court.
Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, while delivering his sentence, stated rape was one of the most humiliating and distressing invasions of the integrity of the human body.
He stated it became more serious when it involved a young adolescent child victim.
He added in this case, the complainant was sexually abused by her own uncle.
Justice Rajasinghe further stated that this form of sexual exploitation of children by a known adult was a serious offence.
He said the victim impact report stated this crime had adversely affected the complainant emotionally and psychologically.
Justice Rajasinghe stated that the offender had found an opportunity when the complainant was asleep and none of the female family members were present at home.
“Using this opportunity, you had unleashed your crime when she was sleeping and not in a position to look for help or a chance of escape,” he stated.
“You had told her not to inform anyone about this crime.
“I accordingly find that the level of culpability is significantly high in this crime.”
Justice Rajasinghe told the offender that he had breached the trust the complainant had in him as an elderly relative.
The man will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years and 11 months.
