Republic v Tekinano [2014] KIHC 3; Criminal Case 44 of 2012 (7 April 2014)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI 2014

CRIMINAL CASE NO. 44 OF 2012
Held at Butaritari

BETWEEN

THE REPUBLIC
PROSECUTOR

AND

TAABU TEKINANO
ACCUSED

Before: Hon Chief Justice Sir John Muria

7 April 2014

Ms Pauline Beiatau for Prosecutor
Ms Fuatino Noa for Accused

SENTENCE

Muria CJ: Indecent Assault is a serious offence with the maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. You said you did it as a joke.

I agree with Ms Beiatau that it is not a joke and that if it is, it is not an acceptable joke. The appropriate sentence for you, is imprisonment of more than 12 months. Your plea of guilty and the fact that no force and no weapons were used reduced it drastically. But you violated the victim's privacy.

Taking all that was said on your behalf, I feel the appropriate sentence is one of 2 months imprisonment. Suspension of your sentence is not appropriate in this case. The sentence must be served.

ORDER: Imprisonment for 2 months with effect from 7 April 2014.

Dated the 7th day of April 2014

SIR JOHN MURIA
Chief Justice