Aman with 41 previous convictions was told by Suva High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe that he was not entitled for a discount in his sentence for any previous good character.

Saula Vunivesi was sentenced to 13 years and four months imprisonment by Justice Rajasinghe on Friday October 27 after he was found guilty for one count of aggravated robbery.

While sentencing Vunivesi, Justice Rajasinghe said the offence of robbery was prevalent in society.

“It is the duty of the Court to make clear that these types of offences be severely disapproved by the Courts and be met with appropriate heavy punishment,” Justice Rajasinghe said.

He said the purpose of the sentence was founded on the principle of deterrence and the protection of the community.

“I am mindful of the principle of rehabilitation; however the seriousness of the offence outweighs the principle of rehabilitation,” he said.

The Court heard that on September 7 last year Vunivesi along with two others approached the complainant when he was coming out from a shop.

He punched him on the face then stole his mobile phone and money while his accomplices held the complainant from behind.

After they robbed the complainant the three of them fled the scene at which point one of Vunivesi’s accomplices tried to attack the complainant and his friend – who were chasing after them – with a broken beer bottle.

“I find that substantial amount of force was used by you and your accomplices in order to commit the crime and also in order to escape from the scene,” Justice Rajasinghe stated.

Justice Rajasinghe added that the level of culpability and harm was found to be substantially high.

In mitigation, Vunivesi submitted that he was married with one child and was the sole breadwinner of his family.

Justice Rajasinghe found that the accused’s family background had less mitigating value.

Vunivesi was sentenced to 13 years and four months imprisonment with 11 years and four months non-parole period.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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