A 36-year-old father could be jailed for twenty years for raping his 11-year-old step-daughter on five separate occasions between June 2018 and June 2019.

The defendant's name and village have been suppressed to protect the identity of the victim.

The defendant appeared for pre-sentencing proceedings on Wednesday before Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke.

Government Prosecutor, Ann Matalasi, from the Attorney General’s Office, is seeking an imprisonment term of no less than 20 years.

The defense lawyer is Afamasaga Michael Soonalole.

The defendant is guilty of five counts of rape. The victim was 10-years-old when the incidents happened.

One incidence of rape occurred at their home; twice the step-father raped the young girl in the plantation and twice he raped at sea.

The prosecution has highlighted the victim’s vulnerability and that she is the defendant’s step-daughter whom he raised.

The man will be sentenced on 3 July 2020.