Republic of Nauru v Roland [2009] NRSC 11; Criminal Case No 14 of 2008 (6 August 2009)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NAURU
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Criminal case No. 14/08

REPUBLIC OF NAURU

V

MELVIN ROLAND

Mr. Knox Tulenoa prosecuting
Mr. Whitlam Togamae for the prisoner

6 August 2009.

SENTENCING REMARKS

Melvin Roland:

You have pleaded guilty to arson which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. On 03 August last year you have admitted setting fire to cantilever No. 2 in Aiwo District.

You have said you did it because of the dust and nuisance caused by its use. Your complaints had been ignored. I can understand your frustration and anxiety for the health of your family and others but those things do no justify what you did.

The damage caused was estimated at over $1 million and the fire could have put at risk the lives of people in the area.

In your favor is that you have pleaded guilty and you have no previous convictions.

Yet what you did was a serious crime for which you must serve a term of imprisonment.

You are sentenced to 8 years imprisonment to commence of 06 August 2008 since when you have been in custody.

Hon. Robin Millhouse
CHIEF JUSTICE