Mother forgives daughter after second assault

A mother told the Nadi Magistrate Court that it would be the last time she forgives her daughter after being assaulted for the second time.

Makereta Gaunabalavu, 36, a taxi driver and mother of one, appeared before Magistrate Mareta Tikosuva.

She is charged with one count of assault causing bodily harm.

The court heard that on December 30 in Nadi, Gaunabalavu allegedly assaulted her mother, Senimelia Gaunabalavu.

Gaunabalavu who waived her right to legal representation confirmed that she had received her disclosures and pleaded guilty of her own free will.

She admitted to the summary of facts read out by the prosecution.

During mitigation, the accused apologised and asked the court to allow her to seek forgiveness from her mother, who was called into the courtroom.

Speaking in iTaukei, Gaunabalavu apologised and promised that she would not hurt her mother again.

In response, her mother told the court that she had forgiven her, but warned that it would be the last time.

She informed the magistrate that this was the second occasion her daughter had assaulted her.

Magistrate Tikosuva granted the accused $500 non-cash bail and ordered that she must not commit any further offences while on bail.

The court imposed strict bail conditions, including that the accused must not assault, harass, intimidate, swear at, or damage the property of the complainant.

The magistrate warned that any breach of bail conditions could result in further charges, including a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO).

The case was adjourned to January 28 for sentencing.