A 24- year- old man who raped his 39-year-old neighbor in Nasinu has been sentenced to five years imprisonment by the Suva High court.

The man was convicted of one count of rape yesterday.

The incident occurred on 6th May 2019 in a settlement in Nasinu.

The court heard that the man raped the victim while she was sleeping.

The victim woke up and raised an alarm.

The perpetrator fled the scene but was later arrested as he had been identified by the victim.

The High Court Judge said that rape is a serious invasion of a person’s dignity.

The Judge said the 24-year-old showed disrespect to the victim who was her neighbour.

The Judge said that the man caused unnecessary misery to the victim’s family.

While considering the time spent in remand the High court Judge sentenced the accused to five years imprisonment without any parole.