Republic v Kaiua - Sentence and Reasons [2015] KIHC 52; Criminal Case 19 of 2012 (7 July 2015)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI

CRIMINAL CASE NO. 19 OF 2012

BETWEEN

THE REPUBLIC
PROSECUTOR

AND

BARANIKO KAIUA
TERIMOA ITIONA
WAIETA TEARAWA
ACCUSED

Before: The Hon Mr Justice Vincent Zehurikize

7 July 2015

Ms Pauline Beiatau for Prosecutor
Mr Teetua Tewera for 1st and 3rdAccused

SENTENCE AND REASONS

Zehurikize, J: I have considered submissions by both Counsel. The convicts are first offenders. They have pleaded guilty and thereby saving the Court's time and scarce resources. It is stated that they reconciled with the victim and are remorseful.

Although this was a bad case, I find that a custodial sentence or community service would not be an appropriate sentence. In the premise I sentence both accused to a term of 12 months' imprisonment but suspended for a period of two years on account of good behaviour.

Dated the 7th day of July 2015

THE HON MR JUSTICE VINCENT ZEHURIKIZE
Judge