High Court jails ex-manager over rape of employee he supervised

A former manager of a communications company has been jailed for nine years after the High Court found he abused a position of trust by raping a junior employee under his supervision.

The High Court in Suva convicted the former manager of rape and sexual assault involving the employee he supervised.

Justice Daniel Goundar sentenced him to nine years' imprisonment for rape and three years' imprisonment for sexual assault, with both sentences to run concurrently.

He will be eligible to apply for parole after serving seven years.

The offences occurred in the early hours of June 28, 2025, at the complainant's flat in Samabula, Suva.

The court heard the accused, who was 30 at the time, had been in an intimate relationship with the 23-year-old complainant, an assistant engineer who worked under his supervision.

Justice Goundar accepted evidence that the complainant had wanted to end the relationship months earlier, but the accused continued to exercise emotional and workplace control over her.

During the trial, the accused admitted carrying out the sexual acts but maintained they were consensual. Justice Goundar rejected that defence, finding the complainant's evidence credible and ruling that she did not consent.

In sentencing, Justice Goundar said the penalty reflected the seriousness of the offending, the abuse of trust in the workplace relationship and the need to deter sexual violence.

He also took into account the accused's previous good character, family responsibilities and prospects for rehabilitation.

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