A man who raped and indecently assaulted his young daughter in Vava’u has been sentenced to nine and a half-years imprisonment.

Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced “HP” (a pseudonym) on October 15 at the Supreme Court in Neiafu.

He issued a non publication order under section 119 Criminal Offences Act prohibiting the publishing of any detail that could lead to the identification of the victim.

On the day of his trial, the accused changed his pleas to guilty on both the rape and indecent assault allegations, committed some years ago.

The judge considered for the rape a correct starting point of nine-years to reflect the age of the victim, the abuse of the position of trust, the isolation the victim was forced to experience within her own family and the many years of silence she was forced to abide by because of the fear of her father and repercussions if she spoke out. 

"The pre-sentence report makes for troubling reading," said the judge.

For the serious indecent assault, he sentenced him to 18-months imprisonment, which he made consecutive to the rape count. This resulted in a starting point of 10 and a half-years imprisonment.

The judge then reduced this by 10% for his guilty plea, leaving a total sentence of nine and half-years imprisonment.

Due to his previous good character, the last 12-months was suspended for two-years on conditions.