A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Suva High Court for sexually assaulting a woman at a hospital in Kadavu in 2023. The court revealed that the victim had visited the hospital for a medical procedure to determine her pregnancy status after experiencing sexual assault and abduction. Rather than providing the intended medical support, the radiographer took advantage of the situation to assault her.
The High Court Judge emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that the man’s actions represented a breach of trust, not only towards the victim but also towards the health service that had relied on him to perform such a critical role. The judge noted that the man’s high level of culpability warranted a significant punishment.
In determining the sentence, the Judge acknowledged that the accused had already spent 17 days in remand, which was credited toward his sentence. Consequently, he will be required to serve an additional eight months and eleven days in prison, with a non-parole period set at five years and eleven months.
This case underscores the importance of accountability in healthcare settings, ensuring that those entrusted with patient care uphold the highest ethical standards.