SUGARCANE FARMER, 54, ADMITS ASSAULT CHARGE

A 54-year-old sugarcane farmer who allegedly assaulted one of his labourers on his farm more than two years ago pleaded guilty at the Labasa Magistrates Court yesterday.

Durga Prasad, who is charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm, appeared before Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci.

It is alleged that Prasad assaulted Pita Elder on September 4, 2016. Police prosecutor Vignesh Prasad told the court that the accused wanted the case to end because it had been pending.

“The accused cannot locate the complainant in this case as well,” Mr Prasad told the court. The charge was read to the accused and he was asked if he understood it. He said yes and admitted to the charge. Mr Prasad said the accused was a first time offender and is married with four children.

In mitigation, the accused asked for forgiveness and begged for a minimal sentence.

The case

The alleged incident happened around 6.30pm in Kulukulu, outside Labasa. The victim was 27-years-old at the time.

The court heard that the victim and five other labourers were harvesting cane on the accused’s farm. An argument developed between the accused and the victim, about the victim’s pay for cutting sugarcane. The accused had told the victim and other labourers to pay the money that had been loaned to them.

An heated argument erupted between the pair where the accused alleged took a cane knife and smashed it to the wall of the house.

The victim, who was frightened, took a guava stick and hit the knife. He suffered injuries to his right hand and was treated in hospital. The case was adjourned to November 23 for sentencing.

YOGESH CHANDRA