Father charged with raping four-year-old daughter

A 53-year-old father has been charged with raping his four-year-old daughter, one of the most serious cases highlighted in the September rape and sexual offences statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

According to the ODPP, eight indictments involving 12 counts of sexual offences were filed in the High Courts last month. The charges included eight counts of rape, two counts of aiding and abetting rape, one count of indecent assault and one count of sexual assault.

A total of 12 people were charged, including two juveniles. There were eight victims, two of whom were under the age of 18.

The ODPP noted three domestic incidents during the month, including the case of the father charged with raping his young daughter. In another case, a 27-year-old man was charged with the rape of his 28-year-old de facto partner, along with charges of wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and assault causing actual bodily harm.

A third case involved a 35-year-old man charged with raping and assaulting his 26-year-old de facto partner. However, that matter was discontinued after the victim could not be located or contacted.

Among the juvenile cases, a 16-year-old boy was charged with raping a 24-year-old woman, while a 15-year-old boy was charged with aiding and abetting rape.

Other incidents included a 38-year-old man and a 21-year-old man charged with the rape and aiding and abetting rape of a 21-year-old woman, and a 24-year-old man charged with raping a 49-year-old woman.

The ODPP also confirmed that three matters were withdrawn last month after discontinuances (Nolle Prosequi) were filed due to insufficient evidence or because victims could not be contacted.

The ODPP issues monthly rape and sexual offences statistics to highlight serious sexual offence cases brought before the High Courts of Fiji.