A Nausori man and his wife who transported the man’s daughter to an apartment to provide sexual services to another have been sentenced to more than 13 years by the Suva High Court while a bench warrant has also been issued for the couple.
The father and the girl’s stepmother were found guilty of a charge of domestic trafficking in children.
The offence took place in Nausori between January and December 2018 when the girl was 16-years-old.
The man has been sentenced to 13 years, 10 months and 15 days with a non parole period of 13 years 11 months and 15 days while his wife has been sentenced to 13 years and 11 months with a non parole period of 9 years and 11 months.
The man was also charged with two counts of rape while both were charged with a count of sexual assault.
They were found not guilty on these charges.
The couple were not present in court this morning as their lawyer informed the court that they are at the hospital.
The sentencing was delivered in absentia.
High Court Judge, Justice Kulatunga Mudiyanselage Gihan Himanshu Kulatunga says it is apparent that both are making an attempt to delay the proceedings.
He has issued a bench warrant, a conviction warrant and stop departure orders have been issued against the two.
While sentencing the couple, Justice Kulatunga says there is a serious breach of trust as the accused are the girl’s father and stepmother.
He says that there was evidence that they gained some financial advantage and they showed no remorse for their actions.
Justice Kulatunga says the victim provided a lengthy victim impact statement and addressed both the accused and it is apparent that she suffered extreme trauma and is still suffering.
