Judge hands down sentences for rape
Four men found guilty of the rape of two women in Waimaro settlement, Tailevu, in 2016 were given jail sentences ranging from eight to nine years yesterday. Wame Baleimakogai, Napolioni Leiloma, Luke Sorovakatini and Sanjay Lal were sentenced in the High Court in Suva. Justice Salesi Temo sentenced Baleimakogai and Leiloma to nine years in jail each with a non-parole period of eight years.
Sorovakatini, a serving prisoner, and Lal were sentenced to eight years each in jail with a non-parole period of seven years. Justice Temo said Sorovakatini’s sentence was to be served concurrent to his present jail term. Baleimakogai was charged with two counts of rape. Leiloma was charged with four counts of rape. Sorovakatini was charged with one count of rape.
Lal was charged with one count of rape and one count of assault with intent to commit rape. The incidents occurred in Waimaro settlement in Tailevu between October 9 and 10, 2016. The victims were aged 20 years old at the time of the incident. While sentencing the four men, Justice Temo said: “When you offended against the complainants, you showed no regard to their human rights and dignity.
“You had no regard to their right to safety and a happy and peaceful life,” Justice Temo said.
The four men were given 30 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Edited by Epineri Vula