Nadi businessman jailed for rape, sexual assault of employee

A Nadi businessman has been sentenced to eight years, 11 months and 10 days' imprisonment after being convicted of raping and sexually assaulting a female employee.

Lekh Ram Narayan, 65, the managing director of ABBCO Builders, was sentenced by Justice Sekonaia Vodokisolomone at the High Court in Lautoka today.

He was convicted of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.

Narayan was represented by Wasu Pillay, while the State was represented by John Vaurasi.

The court heard that the offences occurred on December 27, 2018, and January 15, 2019.

Justice Vodokisolomone ordered that Narayan serve a sentence of eight years, 11 months and 10 days, with eligibility for parole after seven years.

The court heard that on December 27, 2018, Narayan sexually assaulted the employee at the company office.

The victim was coerced into consuming alcohol before being sexually assaulted.

Despite her resistance and pleas for him to stop, Narayan continued the assault.

The court found that he exploited the victim's vulnerability and abused his position of authority.

In a second incident on January 15, 2019, Narayan allegedly called the victim to his residence under the pretext of collecting office files.

While alone with the victim, he attempted another sexual assault, but she managed to resist and escape.

The victim later reported both incidents to police, leading to Narayan's arrest and subsequent charges.

In sentencing, Justice Vodokisolomone considered aggravating factors, the victim impact statement, Narayan's health conditions and expressions of remorse.

The court heard that the offending involved a breach of trust, abuse of authority and premeditated actions that left the victim traumatised and unable to work for two years.

Narayan is a first-time offender and suffers from several serious medical conditions, including kidney failure, coronary artery disease and diabetes.

The judge emphasised the seriousness of the offending and the need for deterrence while acknowledging the accused's medical circumstances.

Justice Vodokisolomone ordered the Commissioner of Corrections and prison medical staff to develop and implement a medical care plan for Narayan during his imprisonment.

Narayan has 30 days to appeal his sentence to the Court of Appeal.