Ex-teacher jailed for 14 years for rape, sexual assault

Justice Temo said accused breached sacred relationship between student and teacher

A35-year-old former primary school teacher was sentenced to 14-years imprisonment yesterday for the rape and sexual assault of nine female students. Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012, the man sexually assaulted and raped the girls inside his classroom.

While delivering his sentence, Suva High Court judge Justice Salesi Temo said the accused had breached the sacred relationship between a student and a school teacher. “Parents send their young children to school to be taught by teachers so that their children can become upright citizens of tomorrow,” Justice Temo said.

“Parents entrust to the teachers all their parental responsibilities while their children are at school. They expect the teachers to do their best for their children and because of this primary school children trust that their teachers will do the right thing in turning them to becoming good citizens of tomorrow.” Justice Temo stated that the accused was a model teacher to most of his colleagues. However, unbeknown to them he was secretly abusing his female students.

The accused was said to be a hardworking, a well-dressed teacher and had been teaching since 2004.

Justice Temo reiterated that the rape of children had always been a serious matter which continued to be denounced by the court and the community. He added that Parliament had set a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the same. He said the Supreme Court of Fiji had set a tariff of 10 to 16-years imprisonment for children’s rape.

Justice Temo commented that 99 per cent of teachers performed their jobs well, except for teachers like the accused who did the opposite.

He also told the accused not to complain when his liberty is taken away to atone for his actions.

He was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for rape and three years for sexual assault, which he will serve concurrently.

He was also ordered to serve a period of 13 years imprisonment before he can be eligible for parole.

The accused was given 30 days to appeal.