A 41-year-old man convicted of rape and sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl three years ago has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the Suva High Court.

The court heard that the man committed the offence on his step daughter.

High Court Judge Justice Vinsent Parera said that this matter involved sexually exploiting a helpless child who was already suffering due to the conduct of her own parents.

The High Court Judge also said there was an age gap between the two and that the accused took advantage of the victim’s vulnerability.