Nausori Pastor who is on the run sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for rape and sexual assault

The Pastor of Hindi Christian Fellowship Church, Ravinesh Chand who raped and sexually assaulted a 15 year old girl in Nausori last year and is still on the run, has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.

Prosecution lawyer, Swastika Sharma told the court that they were unable to execute the bench warrant as Chand's phone is switched off and they cannot locate his family.

While sentencing Chand this morning, High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar says Chand's conduct is disgraceful as a spiritual leader and he had no respect for the child's dignity.

Justice Goundar says the victim was also emotionally affected by the incident as she contemplated killing herself.

He says the sentence will start from the date Chand is arrested.

A non-parole period of 11 years has been set.