An 84-year-old man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the sexual assault of a primary school student, a crime committed 17 years ago. Pleading guilty to two counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, the man carried out these offenses in 2008 in Naboro, near Suva.
During the sentencing, Justice Waleen George stressed that the man’s advanced age and physical health issues were not sufficient grounds for leniency. “You will also require special care once incarcerated,” emphasized Justice George, underlining the importance of addressing the serious nature of the crimes. The judge firmly stated that the court must impose a significant penalty to serve as a deterrent against similar offenses, especially among the elderly population.
Despite his age, the offender will have the opportunity for parole after serving five years of his sentence. This decision reflects a balance between delivering justice and recognizing the realities of his situation. The sentence serves as a strong reminder that accountability and justice are vital principles that extend beyond age, reinforcing societal values against such heinous acts.