Assault on women and children within their own domestic environment is the worst form of physical assault.

Justice Thushara Rajasinghe said this while handing out the sentence for Labasa man Roneil Singh.

Singh, 39, charged with one count each of breach of domestic violence restraining order, attempted arson, serious assault and two counts of act intended to cause grievous harm was sentenced to four years and one month imprisonment.

He is to serve this sentence with a non-parole period of three years.

Singh, who appeared in the High Court in Labasa was found guilty on all charges.

“It was proved at the conclusion of the hearing, that you have breached the Domestic Violence Restraining Order dated 23rd of February 2015, issued by the Labasa Magistrates Court,” Justice Rajasinghe said.

“You have then attempted to set fire on your house by pouring benzene on the floor. The same night, you have then assaulted your elder daughter and your wife with a cane knife causing injuries.

“You then resisted DC Dharmend when he was duly executing his duty in arresting you.

“Assault on women and children within their own domestic environment is the worst form of physical assault.

“Such offenses not only carry individual personal and psychological trauma, but also wider social impact affecting the well of the social fabric of any society.”

The accused committed the offenses on March 11, 2016.

Singh is given 30 days to appeal.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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