An elderly man, aged 84, has received a 13-year prison sentence for the sexual assault of a primary school student 17 years prior. The man, who pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, committed these offenses in 2008 in Naboro, located outside Suva.
During the court proceedings, Justice Waleen George emphasized that the man’s advanced age and physical disabilities did not merit any leniency. “You will also require special care once incarcerated,” Justice George noted, underscoring the necessity of addressing the crimes committed. The judge made it clear that the court could not overlook the gravity of the offenses, stating that a significant punishment was essential to deter similar actions by others, particularly within the elderly community.
The 84-year-old offender will be eligible for parole after completing five years of his sentence, reflecting the court’s decision to balance justice with the realities of his age. The sentence stands as a reminder that accountability and justice remain paramount, regardless of age.