A Man in his 30’s has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for attempted to rape 48 -year-old woman on her way to Kirakira market in Makira Province.
Norman Nemao, in his 30’s, was sentenced during the Kirakira court circuit early this month, after pleading guilty to one count of attempted rape.
The incident occurred on 7 August 2024, around 5am, when the victim was walking to the market with her produce.
Nemao, who was carrying a bush knife, met up with the victim near the Huro beach and started following her.
Despite feeling frightened, the victim could not walk faster as she was carrying her items for the market.
When Nemao caught up with her, he asked if anyone was with her, she lied, saying her husband was on the way.
However, Nemao’s suspicious behaviour promoted her to run towards the main road leading to the beach.
Unfortunately, she stumbled and fell, and Nemao took advantage of the situation.
He climbed on top of her back and threatened to rape her, but she managed to request the bush knife, which he handed to her.
The victim then threw the knife away and tried to escape, but Nemao grappled and tackled her to the ground.
He held her neck firmly, making it hard for her to breath.
Nemao tried to rape the complainant but she kicked him in the groin, causing him to let go of her and she escaped.
The Prosecution highlighted aggravating factors, including physical violence and the use of a weapon, as well as the psychological harm and trauma suffered by the victim.
In his defence, Nemao’s lawyer empathized his early guilty plea, first-time offender, youth, and his cooperation with the police and correctional officers since his arrest.
The Judge, Justice Emmanuel Kouhota took into account both the aggravating and mitigating factors before imposing a sentence of three and a half years imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for attempt rape is 15 year imprisonment.
Nemao was represented by Owen Ma’ungatonu from the Public Solicitor’s Office, while Public Prosecutor Jonathan Auga is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
