A father who raped his daughter on multiple occasions and indecently assaulted her has been sentenced to 21 years and 9 months imprisonment.
The man who was a church caretaker was charged with 5 counts of rape and 2 counts of indecent assault.
The incidents happened between 2006 and 2016 in the Central, Eastern and Western Divisions and when the abuse first started, the girl was 6 years old.
High Court Judge, Justice Sunil Sharma told the man that he is a shame to the society.
Justice Sharma says he does not have any words to describe the man or his actions against his own daughter.
The Judge adds that the man cannot be forgiven for what he has done and has brought shame to all the fathers of the country.
Justice Sharma says after every incident of rape, the accused would sit down with the victim and pray with her seeking her forgiveness and also ask God to forgive him for what he had done and also each time he would assure the victim that he would never do it again but he always did.
He says that as a result of his actions his daughter could not complete her education and fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor adding she endured pain in silence by living in the same house as the man.
Justice Sharma says that the evidence shows premeditation, careful and systematic planning by the man as he knew when the victim’s mother was not at home and he took full advantage of this on different occasions.
He further says that the man also manipulated and installed fear in the victim by threatening her so that she surrenders to him for his lust and sexual gratification.
A non-parole period of 20 years has been set.
