A 28-year-old police constable 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 that transpired in September 2023. The ruling was delivered by Justice Aruna Aluthge in the Lautoka High Court on October 23.
During the sentencing, Justice Aluthge highlighted the severe nature of the crimes, labeling them as a gross violation of trust. He pointed out that the victim, in a state of vulnerability due to intoxication, had depended on the accused, who she viewed as both a colleague and a friend. The judge criticized the constable for manipulating the situation, luring the victim into his room and carrying out the assault, which was deemed to reflect a premeditated intention to act on his sexual desires.
Court proceedings revealed that the constable was charged with five counts: one count of indecent assault, one of sexual assault, and three counts of rape. The emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on the victim was profound, resulting in her taking nearly three weeks off work.
Justice Aluthge expressed concern about the increasing rates of sexual offenses in Fiji and underscored the necessity for sentences that not only punish but also deter future crimes. He remarked, “The rising prevalence of sexual offences in our community demands deterrent sentences,” emphasizing the judiciary’s role in safeguarding society against such predators.
In determining the sentence, Justice Aluthge weighed several factors, including the betrayal of trust, the involvement of alcohol, and the calculated nature of the attack. He also considered the offender’s relative youth, clean record, and willingness to cooperate with authorities. While he acknowledged the potential for rehabilitation, he decided that a non-parole period of six years was essential to ensure community protection alongside these factors.
The constable’s eight-year prison sentence includes an option to appeal within 30 days. This decision reinforces the commitment of the judicial system to combat sexual violence and serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of societal awareness and vigilance against such acts. The court’s decisive stance offers hope for a safer environment, fostering a society where victims receive the support they need to come forward and report incidents of abuse.