A sixty-two-year-old farmer has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment for rape by the Lautoka High Court.

The man was convicted of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault.

The Court heard that in March, 2013 the farmer went to the complainant’s house to massage her mother who is suffering from arthritis.

During this time he convinced the complainant’s mother that he can also eliminate the complainant’s illness by his therapy.

He took the complainant to her room and asked her to lie down and while massaging her he sexually assaulted her.

The next day he returned to continue with the therapy and raped her.

Judge Justice, Aruna Aluthge, said the man was aware that the victim was separated from her husband and was in need of medical therapy and he took advantage of the situation.

Justice Aluthge, said rape and indecent assault are prevalent in Fiji and have to be eliminated.

The Judge said a clear message must be sent to the community that such actions will be tolerated by the courts.

The man copped nine years jail term each for four counts of rape and two years each for two counts of indecent assault.

All sentences will be served concurrently. He has a non-parole period of seven years.