65-year-old man jailed for attempting to rape 13-year-old boy

A 65-year-old man has been jailed for eight years for attempting to rape a 13-year-old boy, with the High Court warning that age cannot shield elderly offenders from serious sexual crimes against children.

High Court Judge Justice Burney sentenced the accused in the High Court in Labasa after he was convicted following a trial of attempting to rape the 13-year-old boy.

The court heard that on May 2, 2025, the victim and his friend went to the elderly man’s residence to collect bele.

The accused sent the friend outside to get the bele and told the victim to remain behind. He then instructed the victim to go to his bedroom to get Vaseline.

When the boy refused, the accused pushed him and performed a sexual act on him.

The court heard that the victim was frightened and wanted to leave.

The attempted assault stopped when the victim heard his friend calling from outside. The accused then warned the boy not to tell his friend.

The court found that the offending was made more serious by the 51-year age gap and the accused’s grandfatherly relationship with the child.

The accused’s lawyer asked the court to consider his age, health and clean criminal record. The court was told he had suffered a heart attack last year and had hearing problems.

However, the judge rejected age and health as reasons for reducing the sentence, saying serious crimes must attract serious consequences.

The accused was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, with eight months credited for time already spent in custody.

He must serve four years and eight months before becoming eligible for parole.

He has 30 days to appeal.