Two men were sentenced to eight years and 11 months for one count each of aggravated robbery and attempted aggravated robbery.

While sentencing the two at the Suva Magistrates Court, Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne said that the public needs to be protected.

“This court has a duty to protect the public and make them safe with their daily activities without subject to this kind of horrific experience,” Magistrate Somaratne said.

Rajit Singh and Ramnik Chand on September 29, last year, along the Suva Point Apartments, attacked two girls and stole their phones and a wallet.

The men had pleaded guilty to the charges Chand, in his caution interview, admitted that he had planned to rob the girls with Singh.

The state prosecution submitted that by committing these offences, both the accused had shown disregard for the complainants’ property rights and the act was pre-mediated.

For mitigating factors the court considered that both the accused were sole bread winners of their families, were first time offenders and had sought forgiveness from the court. It was also considered that Chand’s mother was suffering from breast cancer and needed Chand’s care and attention.

Mr Somaratne said: “You both are from broken families and are looking after your mothers who are old and dependent on you.

“They have written compelling letters to this court highlighting the difficulties they would face if both of you are removed from their lives.

“As much as I understand these hardships of the elderly parents, showing leniency to both of you means condoning innocent people being robbed in broad daylight in this country.”

Their non-parole period is five years.