Two-year jail term for burglary, theft

A34-year-old man charged with aggravated burglary and theft was sentenced to two years in jail by the High Court in Suva yesterday. Apisai Takalaibau freely and voluntarily pleaded guilty to the offence and was convicted and sentenced by Justice Daniel Goundar.

On January 11, 2018 he entered a Lami home in the company of another person by removing the louvre blades of one of the bedroom windows with the intention to steal. The house was empty at the time and the owner was away overseas.

After entering the house Takalaibau ransacked the house and stole perfumes, assorted jewellery and a spear gun, all to the total value of $2950.

The invasion was discovered when the caretaker visited the house the next day.

Takalaibau admitted the allegation in his caution interview and said he was drunk when he committed the offence.

The stolen items were not recovered.

In mitigation he submitted that he was the sole breadwinner of his family, he was a first offender and he was remorseful.

Justice Goundar said burglary of homes must be regarded as a serious offence because the home was a person’s private sanctuary.

“People are entitled to feel safe and secure in their homes. Any form of criminal intrusion of privacy and security of people in their homes must be dealt with condign punishment to denounce the conduct and deter others,” Justice Goundar said.

He said in Takalaibau’s case there was no significant damage to the property except that the home was ransacked and the items removed were not of sentimental value. No planning was involved.

Justice Goundar found no special circumstances to suspend his sentence, adding that Takalaibau had a good prospect of rehabilitation.

No non-parole period was fixed.