Republic v Tiaon - Sentence [2006] KIHC 99; 23-06 (16 June 2006)

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

High Court Criminal Case 23 of 2006

THE REPUBLIC

v

TIEMTI TIAON

For the Republic: Ms Ruria Iteraera
For the Accused: Mr Karotu Tiba

Date of Hearing: 16 June 2006

SENTENCE

Tiemti Tiaon: you have pleaded guilty to larceny and have admitted many previous offences beginning in 1991. The maximum penalty to which you are liable is 10 years’ imprisonment.

Mr Tiba said you had been working for the OECC at Takoronga for two months and had noticed that workmen often stole tools. You and a friend who had a key to the gate and to a container went into the compound about 7 pm. You admit taking many items from the container. You sold the lot for $85.00. Within a few hours the police had called. You admitted what you had done and took the blame for it. All the things were recovered.

You are 32. Mr Tiba said you are married with two children. Ms Iteraera challenged this saying that you and your wife were divorced many years ago. There is a dispute on the facts. As to whether you are married or not is irrelevant to penalty in a case like this. I ignore it. You say this is the last offence you will be involved with.

In your favour is that you admitted taking the things and pleaded guilty as soon as you could.

From your record and the circumstances of this offence you may be described as an habitual thief. You are a nuisance to the community. You deserve a very substantial term of imprisonment. You are sentenced to three years’ imprisonment to begin on the expiration of the present term of imprisonment you are serving.

Dated the 16th day of June 2006

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice