The Suva High Court has sentenced 31 year old Ilaitia Nalawa to 18 years behind bars for raping a 9 year old girl last July.

Judge, Justice Salesi Temo says Nalawa’s sentence is to be served concurrently with other convictions for assault with intent to commit rape, theft and burglary.

Justice Temo accepted the verdict of the two assessors who found the accused guilty.

He says the aggravated factor in this case is the rape of a child and these types of offences are becoming prevalent in society.

The Judge also says the level of violence has caused severe injuries to the victim and she was hospitalised for 3 days.

The court also stated that Nalawa showed no remorse during the proceedings and through his actions, has caused the family to move to a new location.

Judge Temo said that this is one of the worst child rape cases brought before the court.

The girl was coming home from school when Nalawa grabbed her and took her into the bushes in Nakasi Nausori.

Nalawa will serve a non-parole of 17 years.