Pair cop nine-month jail term for burglary, theft of Lorna Eden’s 6 stubbies
While sentencing the two men, Justice Aluthge said the court had the duty to denounce these kinds of behaviour and protect the community.
High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge says that the court has a duty to denounce criminal behaviour. He made the statement while sentencing two men who were convicted of one count each of aggravated burglary and theft. Simione Waqaicece, 28, and Rupeni Tokabe, 21, appeared at the High Court in Suva yesterday for their sentence, after they had pleaded guilty to the offences.
The two had pleaded guilty on their own free will and without any influence.
For the offence of aggravated burglary, Waqaicece and Tokabe between May 3 and May 4, 2019, at Pacific Harbour, entered into the dwelling house of Lorna Eden as trespassers with intent to commit theft.
Both the accused persons were given an opportunity to rehabilitate in the past with suspended sentences. However, both the accused persons had re-offended while being on a suspended sentence for previous convictions. Justice Aruna Aluthge High Court Judge
For the offence of theft, Waqaicece and Tokabe between May 3 and May 4, 2019, at Pacific Harbour, dishonestly appropriated six Fiji Gold stubby bottles, the property of Lorna Eden with the intention to permanently deprive Lorna Eden of the said property.
While sentencing the two men, Justice Aluthge said the court had the duty to denounce these kinds of behaviour and protect the community. “Both the accused persons were given an opportunity to rehabilitate in the past with suspended sentences.
“However, both the accused persons had reoffended while being on a suspended sentence for previous convictions,” he said.
The court heard that Waqaicece and Tokabe had co-operated with the Police, and sought for mercy, and forgiveness from the court. Waqaicece and Tokabe were handed a nine-month jail term each.
They were given 30 days to appeal to the Fiji Court of Appeal.