Republic v Tekaieti [2010] KIHC 74; Criminal Case 22 of 2010 (7 July 2010)

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

High Court Criminal Case 22 of 2010

THE REPUBLIC

V

TATAUA TEKAIETI

For the Republic: Ms Tewiia Tawita
For the Accused: Mr Taburuea Rubetaake

Date of Hearing: 7 July 2010

SENTENCE

Nei Tataua Tekaieti: you have pleaded guilty to making up false evidence and giving that evidence to the Abaiang Magistrates. You lied to the Court. You told the magistrates that all your brothers were dead, that their names should be deleted from the Land Register and the family lands should be registered in your name and that of your brothers' children. In fact your brother Kautu is still alive and you knew that. You misled the magistrates and that was a very wrong thing to do.

You are 69 years old and look after your frail husband and three grand children. You have pleaded guilty as soon as you could and have no previous convictions. These things mean a less severe penalty than otherwise.

You are sentenced to imprisonment for six months. Because of your age and family circumstances the sentence of imprisonment will be suspended if you will promise not to commit any other offences in the next one year.

If you do commit any other offence in that time you will be liable to be punished for it and also to be made to serve this term of six months in gaol.

If you do not commit any other offence in the next year then you will not have to serve this six months in gaol.

Do you understand that? Yes.

Do you promise? Yes.

Dated the 7th day of July 2010

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice