A man who reacted with violence after being attacked has been handed a two-year prison term, suspended for seven years.

Aminio Ataninano Taniova had been a victim of a crime and was trying to retrieve his stolen mobile phone.

High Court Judge Justice Gihan Kulatunga sentenced Taniova on a charge of unlawfully wounding Rupeni Matayawa.

Taniova was walking to the Suva Bus Station at around 4:15am on August 24, 2019, when Matayawa and his accomplice approached from behind; one tapped Taniova while the other snatched the phone.

They ran in different directions and Taniova chased Matayawa because he believed Matayawa had his phone, cornered him and a tussle ensued.

“No doubt, it was a merciless attack resulting in serious harm and injury,” Justice Kulatunga said.

“However, the offender himself had been a victim of a crime at that point and was reacting and was making an attempt to retrieve his lost mobile phone which he never found.”

Medical evidence cited during the trial confirmed Matayawa suffered serious loss of memory and partial paralysis on one side of his body because of the assault.

Story by: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj