Vanuabalavu father receives suspended jail term for attacking daughter with cane knife

A father from Vanuabalavu, Lau, who struck his five-year-old daughter on the head with a cane knife has been handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing her grievous harm.

Jiuta Luvu Vosavakadua, 57, was sentenced by the High Court in Suva to two years, two months and 25 days' imprisonment, suspended for three years.

Vosavakadua pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to one count of Act Intended to Cause Grievous Harm over the June 4, 2024 attack, which left his daughter with an open laceration to the scalp.

Justice Usaia Ratuvili said Vosavakadua's culpability was high because his reaction to a trivial matter was disproportionate and unreasonable.

The judge also said he had breached his daughter's trust by attacking her with a weapon instead of protecting her.

The court heard that the child and her mother, Railala Wati, had since reconciled with Vosavakadua and confirmed in court they were willing to live with him again in Vanuabalavu.

Justice Ratuvili said Vosavakadua had shown remorse through his conduct while on bail and his cooperation with police.

A final Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also issued to protect the complainant, her mother and the other child. Any breach of the order could result in prosecution.