Court of Appeal doubles rapists sentence from six to 12 years

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COURT OF APPEAL DOUBLES RAPIST’S SENTENCE TO 12 YEARS – A STRONG WARNING AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

The Solomon Islands Court of Appeal has doubled the prison sentence of a 64-year-old man convicted of persistently sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl, sending a strong warning that sexual offences against children will be treated seriously.

The Court of Appeal increased Nelson Ngiri’s prison sentence from six to 12 years following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which argued that the original sentence was manifestly inadequate.

Ngiri had pleaded guilty in the High Court to persistent sexual abuse of a child, contrary to section 142(2), read with section 139(1)(a), of the Penal Code.

The offences occurred on three separate occasions between 2021 and 2022, when the victim was aged between 10 and 11 years.

According to the DPP, the court heard that Ngiri was about 50 years older than the child and occupied a position of trust and authority over her.

On 8 September 2025, the High Court sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment. However, the DPP challenged the sentence, arguing that excessive consideration had been given to mitigating factors, resulting in a punishment that did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the offending.

In a judgment delivered on 23 October 2026, the Court of Appeal, comprising President Muria, Justice Gavara-Nanu and Justice Wimalasena, agreed with the DPP and set aside the original sentence.

The appellate court emphasised the victim’s very young age, the offender’s position of trust, the repeated and deliberate nature of the abuse, and the serious harm that sexual abuse can inflict on a child.

It found that the original six-year sentence was manifestly inadequate and substituted it with a 12-year prison term.

The decision sends a clear message that adults who exploit children, particularly those placed under their care or authority, face serious consequences under the law.

It also reinforces the responsibility of the courts to ensure that sentences for sexual offences against children adequately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the lasting harm inflicted on victims

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