Govind Sami found guilty of rape and indecently annoying a person

High Court Judge, Justice Salesi Temo has found Govind Sami guilty of two counts of rape and one count of indecently annoying a person.

All three assessors had also found Sami guilty of all three charges.

Sami raped a woman who worked for him, on two occasions and also indecently annoyed her between 1st July 2014 and 29th October 2016.

In mitigation the defence lawyer, Avinesh Reddy said that he was a first time offender at 62 years of age and that Sami is married with three children who are all grown up.

Reddy also stated that Sami is a businessman and has 45 people who depend on him.

He said Sami is remorseful and has asked for leniency.   

Reddy said he is an upstanding member of the community, much liked and much revered, has helped people and is of generally good character apart from the offence.

He said in the case of indecent assault, he had stood down from going further when the victim had started crying.

Reddy has asked for the lowest sentence of 7 years with 5 years of non parole.

State lawyer Lavenia Bogitini said the aggravating factor was that he was in a position of authority who had forced her.

The case has been adjourned to 11.30am tomorrow for sentencing and Sami has been remanded.