Duo Plead Guilty To Theft, Burglary Charges

A carpenter and a farmer have pleaded guilty to theft and burglary charges.

Manasa Lalaqila and Sekove Nawa­vu appeared before High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar yes­terday.

For of aggravated burglary, it is alleged that between March 23 and March 24, 2019, at Main Street, Ko­rovou, Lalaqila and Nawavu entered into Nayan’s supermarket as tres­passers with intent to commit theft.

For the offence of theft, it is alleged that between March 23 and March 24, 2019, Nawavu dishonestly appro­priated $2720 cash, seven gross Ben­son and Hedges (BH) 10 (red) valued at $1142.40, 20 B&H 20 (red) valued at $106.40, seven B&H 20 (blue) valued at $106.40, 10 B&H 20 (green) valued at $152, four Pall Mall 10 (red) valued at $30, four Pall Mall 20 (red) val­ued at $58.80, 11 Rothmans 10 (red) valued at $83.60, eight Rothmans 20 (red) valued at $119.20, 12 Ice Bursts valued at $89.60, 20 Ice Bursts val­ued at $324, 32, Zesty Burst valued at $129.60, two Regal Whiskey (1125 millilitres) valued at $243.90, two Re­gal Whiskey (750 millilitres) valued at $167.90, 10 Bounty Rum (100 milli­litres) valued at $1219.50, one Boun­ty Rum (1000 millilitres) valued at $121.95, one broken shackle (red) valued at $21.95, one broken shackle (white) valued at $21.95, two pack­ets of gas lighter valued at $168, the property of Nayan’s Supermarket with the intention of permanently depriving the supermarket of the said properties.

The court heard that both accused persons had pleaded guilty to the charges on their own free will, how­ever, Lalaqila told the court that he disputed some of the facts which they were accused of.

Justice Goundar said to both the accused persons to rethink about their guilty plea because the charg­es against them were serious.

The prosecution was given seven days to file summary of facts and sentencing submissions.

The matter was adjourned to May 22 before Justice Aruna Aluthge for mention. Both the accused persons were remanded in custody.

Edited by Percy Kean