The police media unit says the man allegedly committed the offence between 2007 and December 2010.

It is understood that shortly after the victim returned to her father, having lived with her mother after their separation, she was allegedly raped.

It is understood that the sexual abuse lasted for several years, and the mother was only informed recently by villagers who became suspicious of the man's strange behavior towards his daughter.

Police arrested the alleged offender last week at his home after the mother brought her daughter to the Police Sexual Assault Squad office in late January.

The father has been charged with one count of attempted rape, seven counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. He is expected to appear before the Honiara Magistrate Court next Monday.