Reconciliation cannot be used as a method to avoid a custodial sentence and the law requires that those found guilty of rape must be given custodial sentence to protect the vulnerable in our society.

Those were the words of Suva High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo while sentencing an 18 year old man to five years imprisonment after he was found guilty of rape and escaping from lawful custody.

The court heard that on 5 February last year the complainant and some youths from Tailevu were going to a pond to have a bath when Samisoni Tikoikirisimasi raped her.

The court also heard that while Tikoikirisimasi was being investigated, he escaped from the Korovou Police Station.

Judge Justice Salesi Temo while sentencing Tikoikirisimasi considered the fact that he was in remand since February last year and that he had reconciled with the complainant and her family.

He sentenced Tikoikirisimasi to 5 years imprisonment for rape and 6 months for escaping from Police custody.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.



Story by: Praneeta Deo