Lakeba break-in, arson in list of serious crime cases for the month of October

A break-in and arson attack at the Lakeba Post Office has been highlighted among serious crime cases brought before the High Court in October, according to new data released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Two men, aged 27 and 18, were charged with arson, aggravated burglary and theft after they allegedly broke into the post office, stole cash and assorted items, and then set the building on fire. The case was one of 19 indictments filed last month, covering 31 counts of non-sexual offences.

A total of 31 accused persons were charged, and there were 23 victims across all cases. Four incidents involved accused persons related to their victims.

Murder cases

A 32-year-old man was charged with murdering a 52-year-old doctor. The pair were in a de facto relationship.

In another case, a 44-year-old former corrections officer was charged with the murder of his 38-year-old de facto partner.

Assault cases

A 31-year-old man was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to a 19-year-old woman. He also faces a rape charge, which is recorded separately in the ODPP’s sexual offences statistics.

In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man was charged with an act intended to cause grievous harm after allegedly hitting his 18-year-old de facto partner with a piece of wood.

Arson

Alongside the Lakeba incident, a 35-year-old man was charged with two counts of arson for allegedly setting fire to the homes of a 65-year-old and a 42-year-old woman.

A 45-year-old man was charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to the belongings of a 15-year-old and a 35-year-old.

A 22-year-old man also faced two arson charges, but the case was later discontinued due to insufficient evidence.

Other offences

A 74-year-old man was charged with criminal intimidation after allegedly threatening his 34-year-old daughter-in-law with a cane knife.

The aggravated robbery and burglary cases involved cash and assorted items stolen from homes, shops and during street muggings.

Discontinued cases

Two matters were withdrawn after witnesses could not be located or contacted, and due to insufficient evidence.