A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 14-years imprisonment for raping his 12-year-old niece.

The Court heard that the victim was sleeping with her mother when the accused committed the offense.

He then threatened the girl not to tell anyone about the incident as it will create problems.

Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe says abusing of children for sexual gratification by elderly family members within the domestic family environment has now become a grave social and cultural concern.

The accused is not eligible for parole for a period of 12 years.

A domestic violence restraining order has also been issued against the accused.