A 19-year-old from Savusavu charged for raping his 27-year-old mentally challenged cousin will be sentenced today at the High Court in Labasa.

He appeared before Judge Justice Paul Madigan yesterday.

The accused was represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer Inia Rakaria.

During the judgment Justice Madigan said the three assessors found the accused guilty, following a trial.

He told the court that the accused was aware of the victim’s disability.

The court saw this when the victim who took the stand faced a lot of difficulties in answering questions.

After the alleged incident in March 2016, the victim informed her mother about what happened to her and the matter was later reported to Police.

On behalf of the accused, Mr Rakaria, in his mitigation, told the court that his client was remorseful and sought forgiveness.

He also said that the accused had approached the victim’s family and asked their forgiveness.

He further revealed that the accused wished to complete his education at the Technical College of Fiji.

Mr Rakaria requested Justice Madigan for a lower tariff because of the big age difference.

Representing the state was Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions lawyer, Amelia Vavadakua.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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