A 22-year-old man who violently assaulted, raped and robbed 74-year-old woman last year was jailed for 17 years by the High Court in Suva.

Meni Raitekiteki was convicted for one count each of aggravated robbery, rape and giving false information to a public servant.

On August 18, 2015, Raitekiteki robbed the 74-year-old woman by entering her house and stealing items worth $5365.

The court heard that Raitekiteki, who was 20 years old at the time of the offence, had tied the women’s hands with a belt and raped her.

He also gave false information to the Police.

Justice Vincent Perera described Raitekiteki’s actions as “a monstrous and dreadful” one, adding that he was a threat to the community.

Justice Perera further said that the younger generation are supposed to look after the elderly, and not prey on them to rob and rape.

“There is an unwritten obligation on the younger generation to look after the elders in the society but you being a 20-year-old chose an elderly lady to be your prey, to rob her and rape her.”

Justice Perera said Raitekiteki was previously convicted and sentenced for burglary and theft on November 3, 2015.

“Considering the previous convictions, I am inclined to hold that you are a threat to the community and therefore I declare you are a habitual offender.”

For aggravating factors, the court looked at the vulnerability of the victim and the nature of the force used on her as she was punched and raped while being tied up with a belt.

Justice Perera did not find any mitigating factors for Raitekiteki.

For the first count and second count, he was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment.

For the third count, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment, which is to be served concurrently.

One year was reduced from the aggregate sentence for the time he spent in remand, which was considered as time already served by him.

He has a non-parole period of 14 years.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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