Don’t Let Court Down: Judge Tells Three After Suspending Their Sentences
Three Galoa men convicted of stealing from a foreign national at Pacific Harbour between April 9 and 10, 2016, were told not to let the Court down after their sentences were suspended yesterday.
The trio Venasio Saketa Cawi, 20, Sefanaia Bale, 21, and Ulutea Rogosia Toutou, 20, were sentenced by Justice Riyaz Hamza.
Cawi was sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment, Bale was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and Toutou was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
Justice Hamza suspended all their sentences for three years. They were charged with one count each of aggravated burglary and theft.
On the first count of aggravated burglary between April 9 and 10, 2016, they unlawfully entered an apartment at Pacific Harbour belonging to a 56-year-old businesswoman with the intention of committing theft.
On the second count of theft, they stole items worth $13,583 from the apartment.
All accused men pleaded guilty to the charges.
During sentencing Justice Hamza highlighted that the accused men were all first offenders and had co-operated with the Police during investigations.
They had sought the Court’s forgiveness and assured Justice Hamza that they would not reoffend.
The Court heard that a large proportion of the stolen items were recovered.
The accused admitted that they committed the offence because of a lack of good judgment.
Justice Hamza said there were high chances of rehabilitation for the three accused.
He also wished Toutou happy birthday in Court after noting that he was celebrating his 20th birthday on June 1, 2018.
Edited by Jonathan Bryce
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