A 42-year-old farmer, who pleaded guilty to setting his cousin alight causing grievous harm, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.

Kotobalavu, who was in remand, was delivered his sentencing via Skype, which was presided over by High Court judge, Justice Daniel Gounder.

He was found guilty of one count of act with intent to cause grievous harm.

On July 24, 2021, in Lakeba, Lau, between 10pm to 11pm, Jope Kotobalavu, was notified by a villager that the victim was sniffing benzene on the outskirts of the village.

Kotobalavu confronted the victim and saw him holding a bottle containing benzene.

He held onto the victim then poured the benzene on the victim’s shirt, took out a lighter, lit it, and flicked it on the edge of the victim’s shirt which was covered in benzene.

When the victim’s shirt started to burn, Kotobalavu released the victim from his grip.

The victim ran and was able to take off his shirt but not his vest as it was too late. The victim rolled on the ground and was able to extinguish the flames.

Justice Goundar condemned the offence adding that the offender may have thought that he was disciplining a younger cousin for sniffing benzene, but the method was wrong.

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