A man who raped a woman who was training to become a nun, has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.
High Court Judge, Justice Salesi Temo has set the non parole period of 16 years for Akuila Navuda.
The incident occurred in Tamavua on the 22nd of December, 2006.
The woman was at a training centre when she was assigned to prepare a meal on that morning.
The court heard that the woman was lighting the fire outside to start the cooking at about 5am when Navuda dragged her to a nearby plantation and put a knife on her neck.
Navuda then threatened the woman and raped her.
The woman reported the matter to Police.
Justice Temo sentenced Navuda in absentia as he is remanded in custody and did not reach court on time.
