Father convicted for raping stepdaughter

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 13 November 2018, 12:00AM

A father has been convicted for two charges of rape involving his eight-year-old stepdaughter. 

The man’s identity has been suppressed to protect the identity of the victim.

The Assessors found the defendant guilty on all charges following an hour of deliberation after final submissions yesterday. 

Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren presided. The defendant was remanded in the custody of Police to be sentenced on 7 December 2018. 

The defendant was represented by lawyer, Leiataualesa Komisi Koria while prosecuting was Senior Criminal Prosecutor, Lucymaria Sio-Ofoia.  

The defendant, who is married to the victim’s mother, had pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual connection.

Last week, the victim took the stand, telling the Court that she was raped twice by her stepfather. 

“I remember it was right before White Sunday last year, when I was in the bedroom and the defendant called me to come into their bedroom,” she said. 

“I obliged and went into the room, when he removed my shorts and had sexual intercourse.” 

Her testimony was made behind a screen, which was set up by the Court Registrar to prevent the defendant from seeing her in the courtroom. 

The Assessors heard from the young girl that it was a painful experience and that it happened again two days later. 

“Afterwards he told me not to tell anyone, even my mother but I told my cousin and my sister.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 13 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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