An 18-year-old villager who raped a nine-year-old boy on four occasions has been sentenced to 7 years imprisonment.
High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge has ruled that the man can serve a minimum of three years before he is eligible for parole.
It was heard in court that the nine-year-old boy was raped on four occasions between October last year and April this year.
Justice Aluthge said the victim's police statement said that the man raped him when they were on their way to church and when he was returning from a shop.
The judge said the man pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.
He said having done so, the accused has saved the time and expenses of a full hearing.
Justice Aluthge said more importantly, the man has prevented the victim from having to relive the ordeal he had unfortunately encountered.
The judge highlighted that the accused has enrolled himself at a university to pursue further studies and is looking after his sickly mother, younger brother and his aunts.
The court also heard that the man has shown remorse for his actions.
He said he has sought forgiveness from the court and the boy.
Before the accused was reported and charged for his actions, the accused and the victim's family had reconciled at the victim's residence.
It was revealed in court that the man had performed a traditional Itaukei ceremony (bulubulu) asking for forgiveness from the boy and his family.
Justice Aluthge said the accused exploited the vulnerability of the nine-year-old boy knowing that he would not resist due to his condition.
He also said there can be no doubt that a sexual abuse has an adverse effect on the emotional development of the victim.
