‘Josie, what you did was hurtful and shameful’
Josie, what you did to me was hurtful and shameful. These were the words of the 19-year-old complainant in the case of Josevata Werelagi ‘Josie’. The complainant in her victim impact statement, which was read out, stated: “I am at peace now because I am going to church and have come through a lot. “I am happy that I was caught. I have been supported by my extended family and do not want what I went through to happen to my brothers and sisters. It was like I was a slave to look for money.”
High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar will deliver the sentence this morning.
Werelagi, 35, has been convicted of three counts of domestic trafficking in children and one count of aggravated sexual servitude. He appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday for his sentencing hearing and mitigation. Werelagi was seen with tears rolling down his face as the case took the final step before the sentence is announced today.
The prosecution is represented by Lavenia Bogitini and Shirley Tivao from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while Werelagi is represented by Talei Kean and Salote Nasedra from the Legal Aid Commission. Ms Bogitini told the court that the Courts in Fiji were yet to deal with a case of aggravated sexual servitude. She submitted to the court that the court could consider the guidelines of the United Kingdom and Australia sentencing guidelines in the matter and fix the appropriate sentence. She also told the court that the complainant had gone through a lot of fear and was only following what he told her to do because of the fear. Ms Nasedra told the court that Werelagi’s remand period should be considered as the period served as part of his sentence.
She told the court that Werelagi was mindful of the conviction entered, however, he remained with his not guilty plea.
Werelagi has been remanded in custody and the matter will be called at 10am this morning for sentencing.