Son spared jail term after striking dad with cane knife

A 23-year-old man has received a suspended sentence after admitting to striking his father twice with a cane knife at their home on Khalsa Road, Tacirua, last year.

Rakshay Chand, who is unemployed, was convicted of one count of criminal intimidation and one count of an act with intent to cause grievous harm.

He was sentenced by Justice Usaia Ratuvili in the High Court in Suva last Thursday.

The court heard that on October 14 last year, at about 6.25am, Chand attempted to speak with his father, Rakesh Chand, who was preparing to leave for work.

When his father did not respond, Rakshay Chand hugged him tightly from behind, causing him difficulty breathing.

In an attempt to free himself, Rakesh Chand pushed his son away.

The court heard that Rakshay Chand became angry, picked up a cane knife and struck his father on the head while he was facing away from him.

Rakesh Chand fell to the ground. As he turned around, he was struck a second time across the hands while trying to shield his face.

Shocked that the attacker was his own son, Rakesh Chand chased him from the house.

He was later taken to hospital and lodged a complaint with Police.

The court noted that Rakshay Chand admitted to the offences, saving valuable court time.

During mitigation, he expressed remorse for his actions and indicated a willingness to reconcile with his father.

Justice Ratuvili considered that Rakshay Chand was a first-time offender, had spent eight months in custody and had demonstrated remorse.

He was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment.

However, because the sentence was less than three years, the court suspended it for three years under the Sentencing and Penalties Act.

The court warned that any further offending during the suspension period could result in the prison sentence being activated.

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order was also issued against him.