Man sentenced to 11 years, 10 months for raping first cousin
Justice says lengthy sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and the harm caused to the victim.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 15:30
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months' imprisonment for raping his first cousin in 2021 while she was alone at her home.
He appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe in the High Court in Suva today after being convicted of one count of indecent assault, two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape.
The court heard that the offender entered the victim's home while both her parents were absent and committed sexual offences against her without her consent.
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During the trial, the offender said the complainant was his tavale (first cousin) and claimed he was in love with her and had struggled to control his feelings.
At the time of the offences, the offender was 17 years old and the complainant was 14.
Justice Rajasinghe said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the offending, the significant harm caused to the victim and the need to deter similar offences.
The court also took into account the time the offender had already spent on remand, reducing the final sentence to 11 years and 10 months' imprisonment.
The parties have 30 days to appeal the sentence.
