Student given a suspended sentence

A23-year-old Fiji Maritime Academy student has been given a suspended sentence by the High Court in Suva. Waisake Lalabalavu appeared before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe alongside his co-accused Jone Teji last Friday. They were convicted for one count of aggravated burglary and three counts of theft.

The court heard that Lalabalavu was a final year Maritime College student pursuing his Advanced Bachelor in Nautical Science. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for three years.

On the first count of aggravated burglary between March 27 and 28, 2018, at Navua, the duo entered the Vunibau Village Hall with intent to steal. For the second count of theft they stole a Samsung brand S6 white mobile phone valued at $2009, the property of Sela Matakibau. On the third count of theft they stole a Samsung brand J7 gold coloured mobile phone valued at $400 the property of Jioji Ralovo.

For the fourth count of theft they stole a black HP branded laptop valued at $350, the property of Joana Tatalu. Both accused men pleaded guilty to the offences on May 28, 2018. The summary of facts revealed that they entered the village hall while the three complainants were sleeping and stole from the items.

Justice Rajasinghe said burglars invaded others’ space and freedom in order to steal from them.

Hence, he said the offence of burglary was one of the dangerous forms of property crimes because offenders can instil fear and insecurity among people.

Teji was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 11 months.