The DPP's office today asked High Court Judge Salesi Temo to sentence the 62yr old man accused of raping his daughter, granddaughter and daughter-in-law to 20years imprisonment, saying he had clearly abused his power of trust and authority.

Prosecution lawyer Paulini Madanavosa told the Court that the accused has been charged with four counts of rape, three counts of incest and two counts of indecent assault, for incidents that occurred over the period from 1989 to 2007, and taking into account who the victims are, the accused should be given a twenty year sentence.

Madanovasa added the fact that the offences occurred over a number of years, as well as having threatened the lives of the victims, and assaulting them to the point where they would pass out should be taken into account.

She said what the accused has done has robbed the victims of their innocence and this will affect the way they live their lives.

Defence counsel Asaeri Vakaloloma however told the Court that his client had changed his plea mid way through the trial and has shown remorse, stating that he loved his children and after seeing how they were taken into custody as a result of this trial, felt embarrassed at how they were treated, and asked for forgiveness from the Court.

However the prosecution argued, that the accused should not be considered, as the victims had already been put through a harsh time having to recall their terrible memories.

The accused has been further remanded in custody awaiting sentencing on the 2nd of October.