Man who drugged and raped woman to serve sentence once arrested

A man who drugged, abused, and raped a woman at a hotel in Nadi has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by High Court Judge Justice Chamath Morais.

Saiyad Khan was found guilty and convicted of a count of rape following a trial which lasted for two days in his absence.

Justice Morais said Khan was the employer of the woman.

The woman worked for Khan to earn money for her University studies.

Justice Morais said instead of helping her, Khan drugged the woman and preyed upon her.

The Judge said the trial took place in Khan's absence as he left the country violating his bail conditions.

Khan has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 7 years.

Justice Morais said Khan has been in remand for this case from 1st October 2016 to 18th October 2018.

The Judge said accordingly, Khan has been been in custody for 18 days and the period he was in custody will be regarded as a period of imprisonment already served.

This means Khan will serve 9 years, 11 months, and 12 days and the non-parole period is 6 years, 11 months, and 12 days.

Justice Morais said the period of imprisonment will commence from the date Khan will be arrested.

The Judge said the Fiji Police Force, Interpol, and the Immigration Department should be put on notice and an international arrest warrant should be issued.