High Court jails man for manslaughter by recklessness
Judge reduces prison term after guilty plea saves court time and resources.
Wednesday 29 July 2026 | 13:30
Daniel O'Brien Lal outside the High Court in Suva on July 29, 2026.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
A man who admitted his role in the fatal assault of Zain Kaiyum has been sentenced to six years and eight months' imprisonment by the High Court in Suva.
The judge reduced the sentence after taking into account his guilty plea, which saved court time and resources. Three co-accused have denied the charge and are awaiting trial.
Daniel O'Brien Lal appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu today after pleading guilty to one count of manslaughter by recklessness.
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The court heard that on May 29, 2023, Lal, together with Abdul Imran Feroz Mohammed, Israel Daniel Adonai and Jone Mataitoga, assaulted Kaiyum in Nasinu.
The assault resulted in Kaiyum's death. The court found the offenders acted recklessly, knowing there was a risk their actions could cause serious harm.
Lal pleaded guilty on July 1, 2026, accepted the prosecution's summary of facts and his antecedent report, and was convicted.
In sentencing, Justice Bulamainaivalu took into account Lal's guilty plea and reduced the sentence by one year because it saved court time and resources.
Justice Bulamainaivalu sentenced Lal to six years and eight months' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of six years. Lal has 30 days to appeal the sentence.
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