A 64-year-old man has been jailed for three years and four months by the High Court in Suva for four counts of sexual assault.

A brief Fiji Sun report yesterday incorrectly said the incident involved rape.

The incident occurred between April 8, 2015 and April 11, 2015 and the victim was a distant relative who was just nine-years-old at the time of the offence.

For aggravating factors, Judge Justice Vincent Perera said that the accused had breached the trust of the girl as he was an elderly relative.

There was an age gap of 55 years and the accused had taken advantage of the victim’s naivety and vulnerability.

For mitigating factors, Justice Perera said, the accused had pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

He had co-operated with the Police and admitted his guilt, he was a first offender and showed remorse.

The accused was sentenced to four years imprisonment but Justice Perera took into account the time the accused spent in remand which was seven months and 10 days.

The non-parole period is two years and four months.

A permanent restraining order is issued against the accused for the protection of the victim.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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