Courts and the society cannot condone any form of sexual assault on children says a judge.

Justice Aruna Aluthge made these comments when he sentenced a 33-year-old man to 11 years and three months in jail with a non-parole period of 10 years in the Lautoka High Court last week Friday.

Justice Aluthge said: “Rape of children is a very serious offence and it seems to be very prevalent in Fiji.

“Not only must the offender himself, but the potential offenders also be deterred.

“The sentence must send a clear warning to the society.

“The offender must be severely punished and be incarcerated to ensure that our younger generation is safe and secure.”

The man was convicted and sentenced on one count of rape of a child under the age of 13 years.

The incident occurred on June 7, 2016, in Sigatoka.

The man was the uncle of the victim. The victim was  four years old at the time of the offence. The man was given 30 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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