Court Finds Woman Guilty Of Manslaughter
A 26-year-old Nasinu woman has been found guilty of manslaughter by the High Court in Suva.
Sangeeta Devi appeared before Justice Vinsent Perera.
She was initially charged with murder involving her newborn baby boy. On January 9, 2016, Devi gave birth to the baby at their home in Khalsa Road. She wrapped the baby using a bedsheet and then placed the bedsheet in the bathroom. The newborn died from suffocation. After a one-day trial before Justice Perera, the assessors returned a guilty opinion, which was upheld by Justice Perera.
During the summing up of the trial and evidence of three prosecution witnesses, Justice Perera said: “If the assessors do not find Devi guilty of the murder charge, the assessors have to establish if she was guilty for a lesser charge, which is manslaughter.”
“Devi had delivered the baby at her home in Nasinu. She had caused or was reckless in causing the death of the baby.”
Devi, who is married with four children, was remanded in custody after Justice Perera delivered his judgement. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on Monday at 2.30pm.
Ashna Kumar
Edited by Epineri Vula
