Father’s jail term suspended

A father in Fiji has avoided jail time after his sentence for assaulting his five-year-old daughter with a cane knife was suspended by the High Court. Jiuta Luvu Vosavakadua was handed a sentence of two years, two months, and 25 days imprisonment, which will be suspended for three years.

Vosavakadua had pleaded guilty to causing grievous harm to his daughter in June 2024. The court heard that the child sustained a cut injury to her back from the cane knife. Puisne judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili emphasized the seriousness of Vosavakadua's actions, stating that a child should be safe in their father's care.

The decision to suspend the sentence was based on several factors considered by the court. These included Vosavakadua's guilty plea, his expressed remorse, his cooperation with the police, and his family's decision to reconcile with him. The court also issued a final Domestic Violence Restraining Order to ensure the protection of the child, his wife, and their other child.

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