Knife-wielding robber jailed 17 years after terrorising two women

A knife-wielding robber who terrorised two women in separate home invasions in Labasa was jailed for 17 years and six months by the High Court in Labasa last Friday.

Sunia Bainivalu, 40, was sentenced by Justice Lee James Burney after being convicted of one count of aggravated robbery, one count of indecent assault and one count of robbery.

The court heard that around midnight on August 20, 2023, Bainivalu, armed with a knife, entered the home of Karolina Leba at Wailevu, Labasa, where he stole jewellery and a Samsung Galaxy A32 mobile phone.

Justice Burney said the victim was terrorised in her own bedroom after Bainivalu held a knife to her throat and subjected her to sexual violence, causing substantial long-term emotional and psychological harm.

A few hours later, Bainivalu robbed a second woman, Nusrat Ali, stealing two Samsung Galaxy A12 mobile phones from her home.

Justice Burney said the second victim suffered fear and stress after the offender entered her house during the early hours of the morning while her children were present.

Police later recovered the stolen mobile phones and other property identified by both complainants from a house in Qelewaqa.

The father of three children was represented by Legal Aid Commission lawyer Iosefo Rusaqoli.

In sentencing, Justice Burney highlighted the significant emotional and psychological impact the offending had on both victims.

Bainivalu was sentenced to 17 years and six months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 11 years and six months.