Father avoids jail for hitting daughter with cane knife

A father in Fiji has avoided jail time after his two-year prison sentence for grievous harm was suspended by the High Court. Jiuta Luvu Vosavakadua admitted to striking his five-year-old daughter with a cane knife, causing a cut injury to her back.

Justice Usaia Ratuvili acknowledged the seriousness of Vosavakadua's actions, emphasizing that a child should be safe under their father's care. However, the court opted to suspend the sentence for three years, taking into account the father's guilty plea, his expressed remorse, his cooperation with the police, and a decision by his family to reconcile with him.

As part of the court's ruling, a final Domestic Violence Restraining Order was issued. This order aims to ensure the protection of the young daughter, her mother, and their other child, providing a legal safeguard against future harm.

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Vosavakadua’s actions were serious because the child should have been safe in her father’s care.