Farmer pleads guilty to aggravated robbery, awaits sentencing

A25-year-old farmer Josaia Warodo will be sentenced this Friday. He appeared before High Court Judge, Justice Daniel Goundar, in Suva yesterday. He had pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery.

It is alleged that on April 4, 2018 in Vunisea, Kadavu, Warodo along with two suspended police officers Keperieli Ketewai and Luke Tarailai robbed the complainant of assorted items all to the total value of $1580. Warodo along with another had allegedly dragged the complainant out of his vehicle when the complainant was in Kadavu to sell his items.

The court heard that the accused had punched the complainant in his nose, chin and the back of his head resulting in the complainant sustaining injuries.

The state prosecutor told the court that Ketewai and Tavailai were suspended from police duty. Ketewai and Tavailai had pleaded not guilty to the offence. However, Warodo had pleaded guilty. The prosecutor had also informed the court that some of the stolen items such as the mobile phone were recovered.

It was heard in court that Warodo was a farmer and had supported his elderly parents with the earnings. It was also heard in court that he had a three-year-old daughter for whom Warodo sent money to support her. The case was adjourned to September 21 for sentencing before Justice Goundar. The bail was extended for the accused.