Man gets 12 years for raping niece

Child abuse by family members is becoming more common.

These were the words of Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Sitabaram Pillai Thurairaja while sentencing a 39-year-old man to 12 years behind bars after he was convicted for raping his 10-year-old niece.

The court heard that in August last year, the 10-year-old girl had gone to the man’s house to attend a farewell party when the incident happened.

According to the victim impact report, she had developed withdrawal symptoms and she refused to eat, go to school and move with friends and is kept under strict supervision.

In mitigation, the man told the court that he had a dependent wife and a step mother and has an adopted daughter who is 4 and a half years old.

Justice Thurairaja said that it is noted that there is a serious increase in child abuse cases and the court is duty bound to protect children.

The man has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment and will not be eligible for parole until he completes 10 years in prison. 

A permanent domestic violence restraining order has also been issued against the man.
 

Story by: Praneeta Prakash