MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR RAPE

The High Court has sentenced a 25 year old man from Western Province to seven years in jail for rape.

The man pleaded guilty to the offence in the Gizo Magistrate’s Court early this month on the first day of his trial.

In September 2012, he entered the home of the victim, a young mother who was at that time looking after her child, and demanded sex.

When she refused, he became enraged and struck her across the face, threatening her with further violence unless she complied.

Fearing for her safety, the victim complied.

She later told her sister what had happened and later reported the matter to the police.

The seven year sentence includes time the prisoner has spent in custody.