A 58-year-old man has been sentenced to 17 years and 9 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to 13 counts of rape involving three young girls who were close relatives under his care.

The sentence was handed down by the High Court in Suva after the court found that the offences occurred over an extended period between 2024 and 2025 while the children were living in the same household as the offender.

The court heard that the victims, who were aged between seven and 13 years old at the time, were biological sisters and regarded the offender as a trusted father figure.

The abuse took place in and around the family home and involved repeated sexual assaults over several months.

In sentencing, Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar described the case as a serious breach of trust, noting that the offender exploited his position of authority within the family to gain access to the children.

The judge also highlighted the prolonged nature of the offending, the vulnerability of the victims, and the emotional and physical harm caused.

Medical examinations conducted on the children supported allegations of sexual abuse, with injuries consistent with trauma recorded in at least two of the victims.

The court also heard evidence that threats and intimidation were used to prevent the children from disclosing the abuse.

While considering the offender’s early guilty plea, expression of remorse and limited prior criminal history, Justice Goundar said the gravity of the offences required a substantial custodial sentence.

A non-parole period of 13 years and 8 months was imposed, meaning the offender must serve that period before becoming eligible for parole consideration.

The court also issued orders prohibiting the publication of any information that could identify the victims and granted a permanent domestic violence restraining order in their favour.