A police constable, aged 28, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of a female colleague at the Lautoka Police Barracks, an incident which occurred in September 2023. The sentence was handed down by Justice Aruna Aluthge in the Lautoka High Court on October 23.
During the sentencing, Justice Aluthge emphasized the gravity of the offenses, describing them as a significant breach of trust. He stated that the victim, in a vulnerable state due to intoxication, had relied on the accused as a colleague and friend. The judge remarked that the constable manipulated the situation by luring her into his room and assaulting her, with his actions showing a premeditated intent to fulfill his sexual desires.
The court’s proceedings revealed that the accused faced five counts: one of indecent assault, one of sexual assault, and three counts of rape. The victim suffered severe trauma from the incident, leading her to take nearly three weeks off work.
Justice Aluthge noted an alarming trend of rising sexual offenses in Fiji, stressing the importance of imposing sentences that serve as both punishment and deterrence to others. “The increasing prevalence of sexual offences in our community calls for deterrent sentences,” he stated, emphasizing the judiciary’s duty to protect society from such predators.
In assessing the sentence, Justice Aluthge took into account various factors, including the betrayal of trust, the use of alcohol, and the planned nature of the attack, alongside the offender’s relatively young age, clean record, and cooperation with police. He expressed a belief in the potential for rehabilitation but determined that a non-parole period of six years should be imposed, reflecting the need to balance these considerations with the calls for community protection.
Ultimately, the constable received a total sentence of eight years, with the option to appeal within 30 days. This ruling reinforces the judicial system’s commitment to addressing sexual violence and highlights the need for societal vigilance against such offenses. As the court takes a firm stand, it brings forth hope for a safer community, where victims can feel supported and secure in reporting such crimes.