British Army Sergeant Convicted of Raping Female Colleague in Belize

A British Army sergeant has been found guilty of raping a female soldier after they shared a bed following a night out in Belize.

Sergeant Taukakau Viavialevu, a member of the Welsh Guards, attacked his colleague during an off-duty trip to the Caribbean coast while they were both stationed in Belize.

Following a trial at Bulford Military Court in Wiltshire, Viavialevu was convicted of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. The victim testified that she repeatedly told Viavialevu to stop, but he ignored her pleas and overpowered her.

The court heard that the pair had gone out drinking after a long drive. Viavialevu, who became heavily intoxicated, had booked a room with a single double bed, a detail his female colleague was unaware of.

During the night, he initiated the assault by “spooning” her in bed. When she tried to move away, he began kissing her neck, removed her clothing, and restrained her arms to prevent her from resisting.

Prosecutor Colonel Jim Carmichael stated that the victim initially did not object to sharing a bed but became alarmed when Viavialevu ignored her protests. The following day, Viavialevu acted as if nothing had happened, and the pair continued their trip, staying in separate rooms before returning to base.

For months, the soldier attempted to carry on with her duties, but she eventually reported the assault after Viavialevu slapped her on the bottom.

Viavialevu, who denied any sexual contact with the victim, is awaiting sentencing.