Niko Levula has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the Suva High Court today.

Levula was convicted of one count each of burglary, rape, sexual assault and aggravated robbery.

The court heard in November 2017, the 26-year-old broke into a 39-year-old woman’s house, raped her and stole some items.

In sentencing the man, Judge Salesi Temo said the accused covered his face and held a knife in his hand with which he cut the lip and chin of the victim.

Justice Temo adds that rape is a serious offence.

He stated Levula’s actions were a serious invasion of a person’s privacy and dignity.

The Judge said the offending was pre-planned and carried out in frightening circumstances as the complainant was vulnerable.

Justice Temo adds what Levula did to the complaint was uncalled for as it depicts the utmost disrespect to girls and women.

He has a non-parole sentence of 19 years.

Levula had earlier escaped from the Suva Court but was arrested in the last hour and is back in Police custody.