A 26-year-old man was jailed for two years by the High Court in Suva yesterday for sexually assaulting his niece.

The case was called before Judge Justice Priyantha Fernando. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard that between May 29 and 30, 2015, at Gau, he sexually assaulted his niece.

For aggravating factors, Justice Fernando said there was a gross breach of trust as the victim was his niece.

He also said the accused had taken advantage of the vulnerable situation in which the victim was in as she was sleeping at his house.

For mitigating factors, Justice Fernando said the accused had co-operated with the Police during their investigations, he was a first offender and was remorseful.

The accused was sentenced to three years and six months. He was in remand for one year and six months and that period was deducted as time already served.

Man jailed for sexual assault

A 22-year-old man appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday charged with the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl in Lakeba.

The matter was called before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili who transferred the case to the Suva High Court.

The alleged incident occurred between July 1 and 31, 2016.

He has been remanded in custody. The case has been adjourned to December 9.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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