An appeal has been filed by rape convict Ilaitia Nalawa who was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment on Monday.

The 31-year-old raped a nine year old girl in Nakasi, last year.

The appeal has been filed in the Fiji Court of Appeal.

Nalawa is contesting the decision of Judge Justice Salesi Temo in respect of his conviction and sentence.

One of the grounds of the appeal is Justice Temo’s view that Nalawa’s identification by the victim was not an issue.

A date for the appeal is yet to be confirmed.