A former police officer who raped a colleague at the Lautoka Police Barracks in 2021 has been sentenced to more than seven years in jail.
Brian Ravatudei, 27, copped seven years, 10 months, and 20 days imprisonment for one count of rape.
According to court documents, the victim was 19 years old and a new recruit who was assigned to Lautoka Police Station when the incident happened on the evening of 19 September. He followed the victim and told her to open the door to her room because he wanted to apologise, only to rape her. She told a friend and colleague the next day.
Addressing Ravatudei during the sentencing, High Court Judge Justice Sunil Sharma said he not only brought shame on himself and his family but the entire police force. He said a long-term sentence was warranted to deter such actions that have caused the victim much emotional distress. The court noted that she had also become suicidal.
Ravatudei will not be considered for parole until he has served seven years and two months.
