Republic v Teiwaki - Sentence [2006] KIHC 112; 38-06 (16 October 2006)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI
Criminal Jurisdiction
Held at Betio
Republic of Kiribati

High Court Criminal Case No. 38 of 2006

THE REPUBLIC

v

TOKATAAKE TEIWAKI

For the Republic: Ms Pauline Beiatau
For the Accused: Mr Karotu Tiba

Date of Hearing: 16 October 2006

SENTENCE

Tokataake Teiwaki: you have been found guilty of indecent assault. It was an indecent assault at the lower end of the scale of seriousness, more of an insult to the young lady than an assault on her. However such conduct is regarded by the community as very bad indeed and must be strongly discouraged.

You are 49 years old, married with children. You live a subsistence lifestyle. You have no relevant previous convictions. That is in your favour and means a lesser penalty than otherwise.

Mr Tiba asked that any sentence of imprisonment be suspended. The prosecution opposed suspension. Because the community must see that conduct like this is to be punished and that the punishment will be served your sentence will not be suspended.

You are sentenced to imprisonment for six weeks.

Dated the 16th day of October 2006

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice