Republic v Rakubo [2004] KIHC 22; Criminal Case 45 of 2003 (2 February 2004)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
HELD AT BETIO
REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

Criminal Case No. 45 of 2003

THE REPUBLIC

vs

TOAKARE RAKUBO

For the Republic: Mr Tion Nabau
For the Accused: Ms Taoing Taoaba

Date of Hearing: 26 January 2004

SENTENCE

Toakare Rakubo: you have been found guilty of abducting a girl of 14 in February 2002. You went to St Louis High School where she was a pupil, persuaded her – I doubt if persuasion were needed: she was willing to go with you - and had sexual intercourse with her. You and she stayed together until the next day when her parents found you both and took her home.

You are a married man, 30 years old. You have no children. Ms Taoaba tells me your marriage has survived this incident. You are unemployed but your wife does have a job. It is your first offence. Ms Taoaba says you and the girl thought you were in love and you did not realize you were committing an offence.

Yet you were and a serious one. Men should know that they cannot take young women away from their parents as you did.

The crime has a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.

You will be imprisoned for three months to date from last Monday, 26 January when you went into custody.

Dated the 2^nd day of February 2004

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice