A 54-YEAR-OLD man described by the court as an “all-time risk” to his community has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping his niece in front of her children in 2021 in Makira-Ulawa Province.
Deputy Chief Justice Rex Faukona handed down the sentence recently, ordering that one and a half month be deducted to reflect the delay in the case.
The offender will therefore serve 14 years, 10 months and two weeks behind bars.
The man, whose name is withheld to protect the victim, was convicted after a full trial for one count of Rape.
The court heard the defendant had a previous conviction for rape, for which he was sentenced to three years imprisonment in 2021.
The latest offence was committed only weeks before his arrest for the earlier rape.
Justice Faukona said this showed the defendant’s strong and uncontrollable sexual urges, calling him a serious threat to women and the community at large.
“This sentence is aimed at deterring the defendant from repeating the same offence or similar offense, and to safe guard the community from a ploy of the defendant in exploiting girls and women to fulfill his evil desires.
“Indeed, he is an all-time risk to his entire community,” Justice Faukona said. “Perhaps with the length of the period, a lesson should be realized.”
Judge Faukona also highlighted that the sentence serves as a deterrent to the public.
He said should any community member or the defendant himself yield to any such evilness, the courts will not be lenient to anyone, but enforce the law to its fullest.
The defendant was 50 years old at that time of the offence, while the victim was a 27-year-old mother of two children. The victim also suffered from a pre-existing medical condition – epilepsy.
According to evidence presented in court, the rape occurred on 4 June 2021, at the victim’s seaside home in Makira-Ulawa Province.
The victim was at home with her children when the defendant arrived by canoe. She was cutting nuts for herself and her baby when the defendant approached her and began talking to her. He then dragged her into the kitchen and raped her.
During the assault, her two-year-old child stood at the doorway crying, while her older son witnessed the attack.
The elder son later testified in court.
Justice Faukona said the defendant’s action showed disrespect, ignoring the presence of the children to fulfill his sexual ego.
He described the defendant’s behaviour as “evil”, adding that the lengthy sentence was necessary to protect the community and deter others from committing similar crimes.
Justice Foukona said the defendant could be described as a man who craves for immoral and sexual activities and poses great risk to community at large.
He also warned that the courts would show no leniency to anyone who commits such offences, stressing that rape is a grave violation that destroys lives and communities.
Defence counsel John Resley Brook from the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defendant, while Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga appeared for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
