A person’s own interpretation of the Bible does not give them the authority to commit sexual offences, the High Court in Suva heard yesterday.

Justice Vincent Perera made this comment while giving his judgment on sex offender, Iowane Vakadranu.

He found Pastor Vakadranu, 74,  guilty of all four counts of rape.

Justice Perera will be hearing the sentencing submissions from both defence and prosecution lawyers on Thursday.

The court heard that Vakadranu obtained consent from the first victim through false representation that she was getting ready for a mission.

Justice Perera said though Vakadranu said the victim was being prepared for a mission, after having sexual intercourse with her three times, he still did not send her for any missions.

Justice Perera said: “According to the law, rape cannot be reconciled.”

Vakadranu told the second victim that he was their doctor and spouse and that he was appointed by God to have sexual intercourse with her.

Between October 1, 2012 and October 21, 2015, in Vanua Levu and Tailevu, Vakadranu raped two of his church members who were 19-years-old then.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadara

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