High Court of Fiji has sentenced 66-year-old man to 12 years in prison for the digital rape of a 14-year-old boy.

The incident occurred on April 8, 2025, in an informal settlement in Samabula, where the victim had accompanied his aunt to collect breadfruit.

Justice Daniel Goundar outlined in his sentencing remarks on August 28 that the accused lured the boy to his plantation under the pretence of offering cassava.

“The offender exploited the victim’s vulnerability, using a cane knife to coerce him into submission,” Justice Goundar stated.

He stressed the need for the sentence to “denounce the crime and deter others with similar tendencies,” particularly in cases involving child victims.

The court calculated the sentence starting at 11 years for child rape, adding 3 years for aggravating factors and subtracting 2 years for mitigating factors and time served on remand.

“Rape is a grave offence, and the impact on the victim is the primary consideration,” Justice Goundar remarked.

The judge set a non-parole period of 9 years.