A 44-year-old police officer has been sentenced to 14 years and nine months in prison for raping and sexually assaulting his wife’s 15-year-old cousin between 2019 and 2021.
The girl had been staying with the police officer during school holidays.
He was found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault.
In sentencing, Suva High Court Judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere noted that the man was a first offender and had previously been a man of good character.
Justice Tuiqereqere said the girl had lost confidence and now has difficulty trusting people as a result of the offences.
Justice Tuiqereqere says the police officer was supposed to provide the 15-year-old with a safe space to stay.
Justice Tuiqereqere says the officer had led an exemplary life, however, all the good he had done was undone when he committed the offences.
The man will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years and nine months.
He has 30 days to appeal the sentencing.
