A 43-year-old man who breached his parental duty by molesting his biological daughter has been jailed for 25 years.
The man, of New Providence, had sexual relations multiple times with his 15-year-old daughter while she visited his home in November and December 2010, according to evidence.
The father, who cannot be named to protect his daughter's identity, was convicted by a majority verdict of eight to one last month.
He maintains his innocence.
In sentencing yesterday, Justice Indra Charles said, "The victims of sexual assault must carry the memories for the rest of their lives and they must not carry the burden of silence and shame."
She continued, "Society is fed up with the adult male population who prey on young school children for their own sadistic, sexual satisfaction.
"Worst of all, the rapist is often someone they know, not the creepy man in the alley."
Echoing the sentiments of Court of Appeal President Anita Allen, Charles said, "We believe that we owe it to the children of The Bahamas to protect them from people who prey on them."
The girl, who is now an adult, told the court that her father first became part of her life when she was eight-years-old. They developed a close relationship and he took her to the movies and to the beach to feed seagulls.
However, the familial relationship soured when the teenager was at her father's home as part of an informal visitation agreement with her mother, according to the young woman.
He came into her room as she watched TV and began caressing her leg.
The young woman said her father pulled a knife on her and threatened to kill her if she told anyone before he took her virginity.
The complainant said she remained silent because she was afraid and ashamed.
She estimated that the abuse occurred more than 10 times before she finally told her mother. The girl said the trauma of the incident caused her to rebel and she dropped out school in the 10th grade.
Terry Archer prosecuted and Devard Williams represented the convict.

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