Former Fiji 7s player Amenoni Nasilasila who was convicted of rape has been sentenced to eight years in prison with a non-parole period of six years.

While sentencing Nasilasila, Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar says that Nasilasila’s status as a sports celebrity is neither a mitigating factor nor an aggravating factor.

Justice Goundar says that Nasilasila had an unblemished character until he committed the crime in December 2018.

Justice Goundar says for Nasilasila, a fall from grace is punishment itself.

He adds that unfortunately the realization is late and so is the apology for clemency.

Justice Goundar stresses that the 27-year-old should be treated like any ordinary citizen without giving any prominence or weight of his celebrity status.

Nasilasila had raped a 24-year-old woman in Olosara, Sigatoka on December 22nd last year.