Rapist uncle jailed for 15 years

A 41-year-old fishermen has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for raping and indecently assaulting his 13-year-old relative.

The accused appeared before the High Court Judge Justice Lee James Burney. He was convicted after a trial on March 6.

The conviction was for one count of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

The court heard the offences happened over an eight-week period during the December 2022 school holidays at the victim’s home.

In sentencing, the court said the offending involved a breach of trust because the accused was a neighbour and uncle to the victim.

A victim impact report revealed the girl suffered severe emotional and psychological harm.

She lived in fear, struggled to tell her family about the abuse, and later developed feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts.

The court heard she continues to face mental health challenges, including anxiety attacks, difficulty sleeping and problems focusing at school.

In submission, the prosecution said the offending was serious and highlighted the lasting impact on the victim. The defence said the accused had no previous convictions, was married with two children and was the sole breadwinner for his family.

These claims of remorse were however, rejected by the court, which noted he had presented a false alibi during the trial.

In passing sentence, the judge said sexual offending against children remained a serious concern and required strong punishment to reflect community condemnation.

An initial sentence of 12 years was set, but this was increased to 15 years after considering aggravating factors.

A non-parole period of 10 years was imposed. After accounting for time already served, the accused will be eligible for parole in nine years and nine months.

He has 30 days to appeal the sentence.