Aussie Resident Jailed For 10 Years for Rape, Theft

A 22-year-old man who was convicted for two counts of rape and a count of theft was sentenced to 10 years in jail by the High Court in Suva.

A non-parole period of seven years has been imposed.

Shaneil Reddy appeared before Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday.

The court heard that Reddy is an Australian permanent resident and is separated from his wife.

On December 1, 2017, in Nadi, Reddy raped the victim and stole her Visa card and $30 at a resort.

Justice Goundar said Reddy exploited the vulnerability of the victim.

“The case has cost you your marriage and will most likely cost your residency in Australia,” he said.

“Rape is a serious offence. The court has a duty to protect women from sexual violence.”

Details

He said the victim left her home on November 30, 2017, and went to a hotel in Nadi to withdraw money from an ATM.

She was depressed and suicidal and started talking about her personal problems with Reddy and a woman she met at the hotel.

Justice Goundar said the victim went inside the hotel room where Reddy offered her marijuana.

He said after taking two puffs of marijuana, the victim passed out and by the time she gained consciousness she was being driven to another place.

Justice Goundar said Reddy also made explicit videos of the victim and threatened her.

Reddy was given 30 days to appeal to the Fiji Court of Appeal.

Edited by Epineri Vula