A 37-year-old man who raped his six-year-old granddaughter has been sentenced to 12-years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 10-years.

The man has been convicted of one count of rape.

The incident occurred on an island in the Southern division in May last year.

The court heard that the 37-year-old man called the 6-year-old complainant to his house and raped her.

High court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge said that the victim assessment report filed by the state indicates that as a result of the incident the complainant is now a withdrawn and reserved child.

Justice Aluthge said that the victim tends to disconnect from her surroundings and has a very poor concentration level.

The High court Judge said the man exploited the complainant’s vulnerability and naivety.