A 34-year-old man who raped and sexually assaulted his 9-year-old niece, indecently assaulted his 15-year-old niece and his 14-year-old nephew between December 2015 and January 2016 has been sentenced to 16 years and 5 months and 25 days imprisonment.
The Lautoka man was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault.
While sentencing the man, Lautoka High Court Judge, Justice Sunil Sharma said the manner in which the accused committed the offences was a gross breach of trust.
Justice Sharma says all the victims were alone, vulnerable and unsuspecting, their parents were overseas and the wife of the accused was given the care of the children.
He adds instead of protecting them the accused sexually abused them.
Justice Sharma says the accused has robbed the victims of their innocence and exposed them to an unexpected sexual experience which they will not be able to forget for many years to come.
He says according to the victim impact statement, the victims have suffered psychological and emotional harm.
Justice Sharma says rape is not only a physical act, it not only destroys the very soul of the victims, but also brings about a sense of hopelessness and anxiety which cannot be measured or repaired by anyone.
The Judge says there has been an increase in sexual offences involving offenders who are known to the victim and are mature adults.
A non-parole period of 13 years has been set.
