A man, convicted of the rape of his toddler cousin at her home three years ago, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail.
The incident took place on 7 March 2020 in a village in Rakiraki.
The two-year-old’s mother was away, leaving her alone with the accused, aged 28 at the time. They were seen playing on the porch of the house that night. The victim’s aunt became concerned when she noticed that the porch light was switched off. Upon inquiring, she found the victim lying on the floor without her pants, and the accused sitting on the bed, wearing only a towel. Upon seeing her aunt, the victim ran to her and tearfully told her that the accused had touched her ‘private area.’ The child’s mother was informed when she returned home later that night, and the matter was reported to police.
The victim was medically examined at Rakiraki Hospital. The accused confessed to the police during a caution interview.
He has now been sentenced to 11 years in jail and will not be eligible for parole until he has served nine years.
