I’m begging for your mercy and leniency, pleaded former Fiji 7s star, Amenoni Nasilasila, during his mitigation at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

The 27-year-old appeared before High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar. He was charged with and convicted for the rape of a 24-year-old woman at Olosara, Sigatoka, on December 22, 2018.

The packed courtroom was filled with Nasilasila’s friends and families who wanted to witness his sentence hearing.

The defence was represented by Unaisi Baleilevuka while the prosecution by Semi Babitu from the Office of the Director of the Public Prosecutions.

Justice Goundar asked Ms Baleilevuka if Nasilasila wished to address the court to which she responded yes, after speaking with him.

A translator had to step in because Nasilasila spoke in the iTaukei language.

“I sincerely apologise to this honourable court for the offence I committed,” he said.

“I’m begging for your mercy and your leniency.”

Ms Baleilevuka filed mitigation submissions.

Justice Goundar asked Ms Baleilevuka if there was other evidence apart from the submissions.  Ms Baleilevuka said she would only be relying on the submissions made.

She asked Justice Goundar to consider the fact that there was no medical report to ascertain the victim’s emotional and psychological harm.

Mr Babitu said he would rely on the sentencing submissions. He said the accused was a first offender.

Nasilasila will be sentenced on Wednesday, October 23.

Edited by Percy Kean

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