Judge hands down suspended sentence

A20-year-old man was handed a suspended sentence by the High Court in Suva on Tuesday.

Lepani Tuli was sentenced by judge Justice Chamath Morais. He was convicted on one count each of aggravated burglary and theft. Between January 20 and January 21, 2018, at Nausori Town, the accused entered a shop as a trespasser with the intent to steal. Between January 20 and January 21, 2018, at Nausori Town, Tuli stole $300 cash, 10 Uma 40 yard fabric material valued at $500, six suitcase valued at $450, six blankets valued at $299.70, five mosquito net valued at $159.75, 50 fabric paint valued at $797.50, 50 tapa material valued at $200, six check material valued at $1980, and 10 paco fabric material valued at $1980, all to the total value of $6666.95.

After investigations, three printed tapa material, three paco material and seven cotton sulu were recovered.

Justice Morais said: “These types of offences have increased due to the leniency they are dealt with and society now demands an unsympathetic and/or stern judicial approach on these types of offences. “Tuli, you have no previous convictions or pending cases and of 20 years old, therefore, in consideration of the submission made on your behalf, I am of the view it is nothing but fair that you should be given an opportunity to mend your wards and become a good law abiding citizen.”

Tuli was handed a sentence of 35 months with a non-parole period of 24 months.

His sentence was suspended for a period of five years.

Tuli was given 30 days to appeal to the Court of Appeal.