A teacher from a prominent school in Tailevu has been sentenced to 14 years and six months’ imprisonment by the Suva High Court for sexual offences committed against three students.

The teacher was convicted on one count of sexual assault and five counts of rape.

The offences were committed between 2023 and 2024 and involved three students from the same school, two 17 year old boys and one 15 year old boy.

Justice Usaia Ratuvili delivered the sentence in the Suva High Court this morning.

For the sexual assault charge, the teacher was sentenced to one year and nine months’ imprisonment.

He was also sentenced to 12 years and nine months’ imprisonment for the five counts of rape.

The court ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, resulting in a total sentence of 14 years and six months’ imprisonment.

The court also imposed a non-parole period of 11 years and nine months.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Ratuvili said the sexual assault of children and rape are among the most serious offences before the courts, adding that schools are meant to be safe places where children can learn and develop without fear.

The teacher has been given 30 days to appeal the sentence.