Three men convicted of raping their fourteen-year-old nephew in Tailevu two years ago have each been sentenced to fourteen years imprisonment by the High Court this afternoon.

The incident occurred in Tailevu between November 2015 and March last year.

The first accused is 40-years-old, the second accused is 36-years-old, the third accused is 52-years-old.

High Court Judge Justice Salesi Temo said that the victim was 12 years old at the time of the incident and incapable of giving consent to sodomy.

He also said that unlawful sodomy is classified as rape under the crimes act.

The Judge also said that the victim and the accused stayed in the same village and it is the duty of the elders to look after the young ones and be a role model to them.

The three were told that they did not show any regard to the victim’s rights as a child.

The court also said that rape and abuse of a child will not be tolerated and the community denounces such acts.

A non-parole period of 12-years has also been imposed.