Nadi man jailed eight years for raping cousin

A 46-year-old man who raped his cousin inside his home following a drinking spree in Nadi was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka yesterday.

The victim, then 33 years old and married, had visited the offender’s residence in September 2023 with her niece to celebrate her graduation and spend the weekend.

The court heard that the man offered the women alcohol before they went out clubbing. After returning home, he entered the guest room where the victim was sleeping and raped her.

Justice Aruna Aluthge, who delivered the sentence, emphasised proportionality, noting that punishment must reflect the gravity of the offence and the offender’s moral culpability.

He considered both the seriousness of the crime and the personal circumstances of the man.

The offender has 30 days to appeal the sentence.