Man Jailed For Rape And Molestation Of Daughter-In-Law

A fisherman who molested and raped his daughter-in-law has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

The offender is convicted for one count each of rape, sexual assault, indecent assault and two counts of indecently annoying any person.

The offences took place between July 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 in Tavua.

The offender was aware that the victim was alone at home. He was also aware that the victim’s parents had abandoned her after her marriage and she had no place to go.

The victim explained in her evidence that she considered the offender as her father, but she no longer felt the same.

While sentencing the offender, Justice Thushara Rajasinghe said offences of a sexual nature were one of the most humiliating and distressing crimes.

He added that it violated the physical self of a person and also destroyed her personal dignity and self-autonomy.

“You had tried to conceal these crimes by scaring her that her husband would leave her if she tells someone. You have manipulatively used her vulnerability to satisfy your lustful sexual gratification,” Justice Rajasinghe said.

“You had abused that trust and confidence she had in you as her father-in-law.

“By doing this crime, you have destroyed the family of your son and his wife, the victim.”

The offender is not entitled to any parole for eight years.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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