A father of four who raped his neighbour was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka.

The 42-year-old appeared before Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena on Monday.

The incident took place in 2016 when his neighbour, the complainant, was 19 years old and the man was 39 years old.

Justice Wimalasena said the complainant was raped while she was sleeping after drinking alcohol with the man on a particular occasion. The matter was then reported to the Police.

The judge told the man that he took advantage of the complainant because she was in that state after consuming alcohol.

He stated the man was a law-abiding citizen in the last 10 years, but he had committed a very serious offence.

Justice Wimalasena further mentioned the man would be leaving behind a young family who depended on him.

The accused was sentenced to 7 years 10 months and 3 weeks imprisonment.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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