Nauru Man, 22, Gets Three Years Jail for Manslaughter

Henrich can be released after two years, says judge.

The sentence “…is designed to punish you… and “…to protect the community from violent offenders…” a High Court judge in Suva told the defendant yesterday.

Justice Salesi Temo, while sentencing Julien Henrich, said it was also designed “…to deter other would-be offenders to establish pre-conditions for rehabilitation, and to signify that the court and the community denounce what you and the others did to Sione Tufui on June 21, 2014.”

The Nauruan national, who was last week found guilty of manslaughter, was sentenced yesterday to three years in jail. Henrich, 22, was charged with the manslaughter of a Tongan university student in 2014. Henrich and his friends were at the Dragon Nightclub in Suva when a fight started. The court heard that Henrich was first attacked by Tufui with a beer bottle.

For aggravating factors Justice Temo said there was extreme use of violence to solve a problem and that Henrich and his friends had decided to take the law into their own hands.

It was also stated that the incident caused heartache to Tufui’s family because they had lost a family member.

For mitigating factors the court considered that Henrich was a first offender and he did not start the fight.

Justice Temo said: “I will not impose a non-parole which means you can be released after two years.”