Father jailed 15 years for raping 12-year-old daughter

A 37-year-old man who raped his 12-year-old biological daughter has been sentenced to 15 years and 10 months’ imprisonment by the High Court in Labasa.

The man, who is now 41, was convicted of one count of sexual assault and four counts of rape committed between 2022 and 2023 in the Northern Division.

Justice Thushara Rajasinghe said the case involved the sexual exploitation of a young child by a close family member within her home.

He said sexual exploitation of children within their domestic environment had become a social menace.

Justice Rajasinghe told the court that the social problem of abusing children for sexual gratification must be addressed promptly and effectively.

The court heard that the offences were committed while the girl was asleep in her room. He also threatened the victim not to tell anyone.

Justice Rajasinghe said the father had abused the trust and confidence the victim placed in him as her father.

He said the significant age difference between the father and daughter and the young age at which she was exposed to sexual activity were aggravating factors.

The man was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months’ imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 12 years and 10 months.

He had spent more than one year and one month in remand custody before sentencing.