A man who pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual connection with an underage family member and impregnated her was sentenced to three and a half years in jail by the Supreme Court.

In delivering his decision, Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma told the defendant, 'you must know that not only is it not normal what you did, but consent by the victim is no defence by law.'

The offences occurred on three separate occasions, the victim being the defendant's niece and the daughter of his sister. They all lived on the same land but in different houses. According to the summary of facts, there were three incidents where the defendant and the victim had a sexual relationship.

“In the presentence report, you admitted to probation having a sexual relationship with your niece. You suggested it was normal and that she consented. You must know that not only is it not normal what you did, but consent by the victim is no defence by law," Justice Roma said.

“Considering all those matters and the totality of your offending, I adopt a starting point of seven years. I make the following deductions. For the banishment imposed as a penalty by your village, I deduct 12 months.

“For your personal circumstances, including the testimonials in support of your good character, and your remorse, I deduct 12 months. For your guilty pleas entered at the earliest opportunity, I make a final deduction of 18 months. The end sentence is three and a half years' imprisonment.

The defendant was represented by counsel Ann Matalasi, while the prosecutor was Maiavatele Timothy Fesili.