The High Court has upheld an 18-year prison sentence imposed on a man convicted of sexually abusing an eight-year-old child while in a position of trust.

The case involved offences committed against the child between 2013 and 2014. Prosecutors said the abuse began while the victim was living on an island with the man's then wife and continued after the child moved to Malé. The man was also accused of showing the child pornographic videos and photographs.

The Criminal Court found the man guilty of engaging in sexual acts with a child while in a position of trust and sentenced him to 18 years in prison.

The conviction was appealed to the High Court, with the defence arguing that the verdict was based on evidence and a confession obtained unlawfully and asking for the Criminal Court's judgment to be overturned.

After reviewing the case, the High Court rejected the appeal and affirmed the Criminal Court's conviction and 18-year prison sentence.