The Suva High court has dished out a very harsh prison term for 21-year-old rapist, Isoa Rainima who brutally attacked and raped a tertiary student at Suva’s Holland Street two years ago.

Rainima who was found guilty of seven counts of rape, one count of assault with intent to rape, one count of sexual assault, one count of criminal intimidation and one count of robbery yesterday afternoon has been sentenced to 23-years-imprisonment.

High court Judge Justice Salesi Temo said Rainima came into contact with the victim at around 10am on December 30th, 2016 while she was walking from Holland Street to Knolly Street.

He approached her from her back and threw her over a metal railing – two metres down a slope.

Rainima followed suit and punched her several times on her face and hand while repeatedly hurling vulgar words against her.

Justice Temo said Rainima than took her to a tunnel facing the Wainibukulou creek and repeatedly raped her for an hour in broad daylight.

A stick was also used as a weapon during the horrific ordeal.

Justice Temo said Rainima left the victim to die after he raped her and fled the scene.

The High court Judge described this incident as one of the cruellest in all 24 years of his service in court.

Justice Temo adds the victim fainted in court while giving evidence, showing the extent of psychological trauma.

Justice Temo says Rainima should be punished for his cruelty and he shouldn’t complain about a long prison sentence.

Rainima has been sentenced to 23 years imprisonment with a non- parole period of 20 years.