The Suva High Court has imposed a prison sentence on an 84-year-old man for committing rape, marking a significant judicial action 18 years after the crime took place. The court proceedings revealed that the man had assaulted a young girl in 2008 when he was 66 years old, with the victim considering him as a grandfather figure.
During the sentencing, the High Court dismissed the defence’s argument that the man’s advanced age should lessen his culpability. The presiding judge condemned the actions as not only degrading but also a severe breach of trust against a vulnerable and innocent individual. The court emphasized that age should not mitigate criminal behavior, underlining the necessity for justice to serve as a deterrent for all community members, including the elderly, against such offences.
The man was sentenced to imprisonment with a fixed non-parole period of five years. The court recognized the enduring trauma inflicted on the victim and reiterated the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime. This ruling stands as a vital reminder that justice remains steadfast in the protection of vulnerable individuals and the necessity for accountability in society.