Judges in sentencing perpetrators have tried to make an example through longer prison terms as a deterrent to serious sexual crimes.

High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe yesterday sentenced an uncle to twelve years and ten months imprisonment at Suva High Court for raping his nephew in December last year.

Rajasinghe while sentencing the man says rape is the worse form of sexual abuse and it becomes more serious when it involves a young juvenile.

Justice Rajasinghe says the accused is known to the victim and this form of sexual exploitation of children in a familiar environment is a serious offence.

The judge says such offenders must be dealt with by severe and harsh punishments hence the sentence is founded on the principle of deterrence and protection of the community.

He further stated that the Court must demonstrate in sentencing that offences of this nature are socially abhorrent.

The victim was fifteen-years-old at the time of the incident while his uncle was twenty-three-years old.

The court heard that the attack took place in the victim’s room, whereby, the accused dragged him onto the floor, blocked his mouth and raped him.

Following the attack, the uncle threatened to kill the victim if he mentioned the incident to anyone.

The court heard that the rape has affected the victim’s education and his relationship with other relatives.

The man has a non-parole period of ten years and ten months imprisonment.