An 83-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment for raping three young girls.

The man who has been wheelchair-bound for 13 years, raped three girls aged between six to seven years.

He had pleaded guilty to three counts of digital rape in the Suva High Court.

The court heard that two victims were his granddaughters while one was his neighbour.

The incident occurred at a village in Gau in May and June this year.

Judge Justice Daniel Goundar says being an elderly grandfather, the perpetrator had a moral duty to protect the victims from any form of abuse, instead he made them the desire of his lust.

Justice Goundar said all three victims were vulnerable due to their young age and the man breached their trust.

In mitigation, defense had submitted that the offender had been immobile for the last 13 years after suffering a Stroke and he may face difficulties in prison due to his condition.

Justice Goundar said the man’s advanced age and medical condition did not mitigate the crimes and that it was not a barrier for him when he committed the offences.

The 83- year-old must serve a non-parole period of 12 years and a domestic violence restraining order has also been issued.