Young Nadi street dwellers warned after trespassing conviction

Six young street dwellers convicted of trespassing at King Charles Park in Nadi were warned by the court not to reoffend and were told to return to their homes.

Magistrate Jeremaia Savou convicted Noa Nasilasila (28), Seremaia Cakaunivere (21), Elijah Boa (20), Mitieli Radriu (18), Merewai Waqanibau (19) and Iliseva Tawake (17) after they pleaded guilty to unlawfully entering property not their own.

The court heard that on January 12, the accused unlawfully entered King Charles Park, a property of the Nadi Town Council, with intent to commit an offence.

All six waived legal representation, confirmed they understood the summary of facts and entered their guilty pleas voluntarily.

Nasilasila, Cakaunivere, Boa and Radriu told the court they work as wheelbarrow carriers at the Nadi Market.

When questioned by Magistrate Savou on why the offence was committed, the accused said they had influenced one another.

Three of the accused are from Tailevu and Rewa, while the others are from Dratabu, Navoci and Sabeto.

The prosecution, represented by Sergeant Siteri Camecolo, did not object to bail.

In delivering his sentence, Magistrate Savou told the accused they were free to go but issued a stern warning.

“For those living in Nadi, go back to your homes and do not live on the streets,” he said.

One of the accused told the court he had no family or relatives in Nadi and had been living on the streets.

Tawake, who is a juvenile, appeared in a separate court proceeding.