The Navua man who raped his 13-year-old biological daughter in February last year has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment by Suva High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.
The man has been convicted on two counts of rape.
While sentencing the man, Suva High Court Judge Justice Goundar says the manwas in a position of trust, authority and responsibility towards her.
He says he raped her in the family home, a place where she was entitled to feel safe.
Justice Goundar says the man engineered the opportunity by sending his younger son away to the kitchen so that he could be alone with his daughter.
The Judge says he sought to deter disclosure by telling her not to tell anyone and invoking land that he says he had registered to her, thereby exploiting his parental authority.
Justice Goundar says the girl told the court of the emotional and psychological trauma she has experienced; including fear, shame and a loss of trust.
He says in cases where a family member has raped a child, the harm to the victim is inherently serious and often long-lasting.
The man can apply for parole after serving 12 years imprisonment.
He can appeal within 30 days from today.
