Republic v Metai [2007] KIHC 138; High Court Criminal Case 14 of 2007 (28 September 2007)

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

High Court Criminal Case No. 14 of 2007

BETWEEN:

THE REPUBLIC

AND:

NEI TOOTA METAI

For the Republic: Ms Pauline Beiatau & Ms Tumai Timeon
For the Accused: Ms Botika Maitinnara

Date of Hearing: 24 September 2007

SENTENCE

Toota Metai: you have been convicted of murder. The only penalty for murder is imprisonment for life but the Court must consider whether to fix a non-parole period – that is the time before which you may not apply for release from gaol – either higher or lower than 10 years.

Both the prosecution and your own lawyer suggest that I do not fix any other non-parole period than 10 years.

Having heard from Ms Maitinnara of your personal circumstances and having considered the facts of the case I have decided not to fix a non-parole period either more or less than 10 years.

I sentence you to life imprisonment.

Dated the 28th day of September 2007

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice