A 48 year old man who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for raping his seven year old step daughter had his appeal dismissed by the Lautoka High court yesterday afternoon.

Judge Justice Daniel Goundar in his ruling said that what he did was a dreadful offence committed on a vulnerable child of a very tender age.

Goundar also stated that what the victim could not get from her biological father as a result of a broken home, she expected that from him.

Gounder added that after violating the child, he kept her under siege with threats for almost 2 years.

The man appealed against the sentence saying that it was harsh and excessive.

Judge Gounder thought otherwise dismissing the appeal.