A taxi driver, charged with indecent assault was today sentenced to 9 months imprisonment.

The Suva Court heard that on the 18th of December last year, Suruj Lal indecently assaulted the victim, who is related to his wife and who lives with them in the same household.

The victim aged 14 years, was folding blankets at their Samabula home when the accused entered the room and fondled the victim's breasts. She managed to free herself and escape his clutches.

Upon Lal's wife's return, the victim informed her of the incident, then the matter was reported to police.

Lal was sentenced by Magistrate Amani Rokotuiniviti.

Meanwhile, in another incident, Magistrate Naomi Matanitobua told 62 year old Alipate Rauca to just walk away and enjoy the sunshine and breeze after the court heard that on the 18th of June 2007, the accused punched his daughter in the head and face after enquiring about how much she earned at her job.

Upon being told the amount, the accused got angry at how little it was and then proceeded to assault her.

In mitigation, the accused said that he was 62 years old and was not working, he asked the court for forgiveness and leniency.

Magistrate Matanitobua then told the accused that his age did not go with his temper adding that he must control it as he was short tempered and if he had a confrontation of a similar nature, walk away, enjoy the sunshine and the breeze outside which would help him calm down.

Rauca was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.