A British Army sergeant in the Welsh Guards has been sentenced to ten years in prison for raping a female colleague while they shared a bed during a night out. Sergeant Tauhakau Viavialevu and his colleague were stationed in Belize when the assault took place.
The incident occurred after a “spontaneous” off-duty trip to the coastline while they were both stationed in the Caribbean country. After a long drive, the pair went out for drinks, during which Sgt. Viavialevu consumed heavily before they returned to the room he had booked, which had just one double bed.
During the night, Sgt. Viavialevu began the assault by “spooning” the victim, who tried to move away from him. He proceeded to kiss her neck, remove her clothes, and rape her despite her repeated pleas for him to stop. The victim, whose identity remains confidential for legal reasons, expressed that Sgt. Viavialevu was not listening to her and felt helpless against his abuse.
Bulford Military Court in Wilts heard that Sgt. Viavialevu held the victim’s arms down during the attack to prevent her from escaping. The court also ordered him to pay the victim £11,000 in addition to his ten-year sentence.
### Impact on the Victim
The victim’s harrowing experience was brought to light during the court proceedings, shedding light on the trauma and helplessness she felt during the assault. In a video interview played at the court martial, she described feeling angry at her inability to defend herself and at Sgt. Viavialevu’s drastic shift in behavior.
She narrated her futile attempts to stop the assault, emphasizing how Sgt. Viavialevu disregarded her pleas to cease his actions. The victim expressed a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness in the face of the attack, painting a vivid picture of the fear and confusion she experienced during the ordeal.
Despite trying to resume her normal duties following the assault, the victim eventually decided to report the matter after Sgt. Viavialevu’s inappropriate behavior continued, underscoring the lasting impact of the traumatic incident on her well-being.
### Legal Proceedings and Verdict
Col. Jim Carmichael, the prosecutor in the case, outlined the sequence of events leading to the assault, portraying Sgt. Viavialevu’s actions as a violation of trust and authority. The court found him guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration, dismissing his claims of innocence.
The court martial culminated in Sgt. Viavialevu’s sentencing to ten years in prison, along with the financial compensation awarded to the victim. The verdict underscored the severity of the offense and the importance of upholding justice in cases of sexual assault within the military ranks.
In conclusion, the case of Sgt. Tauhakau Viavialevu serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sexual assault and the significance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The victim’s courage in coming forward and seeking justice exemplifies the resilience and strength required to navigate the aftermath of such traumatic experiences. The legal proceedings and subsequent verdict highlight the imperative of ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all military personnel, free from any form of abuse or misconduct.
