A 19-year-old who was found guilty of breaking into a home and stealing items has been ordered to participate in counseling through the Social Welfare Department as part of his two-year suspended sentence.
The young man will avoid jail time if he refrains from further offenses for the next seven years. The judge has mandated that he be placed under probation with the Social Welfare Department for a duration of two years.
Justice Riyaz Hamza stated in the High Court in Lautoka, “The Social Welfare Department is to arrange for immediate counseling for you, which should include your mother.” He further emphasized the importance of the mother’s role in ensuring that her son adheres to the directions provided by the Social Welfare Department, stating, “Your mother should also receive assistance and support to enhance her parenting skills.”
The individual was charged with aggravated burglary after he and accomplices unlawfully entered a residence in Korovutu, Ba, by removing louvre blades from the kitchen window while the homeowner was away.
Justice Hamza assessed that the overall harm caused was “considered low” because the value of the stolen items was relatively minor, and there was no physical or psychological harm inflicted on the victim, nor was there any physical violence involved.
During the mitigation phase, it was disclosed that the accused is now working in farming. He acknowledged that his crime stemmed from poor judgment and peer influence.
Justice Hamza expressed his belief in the young man’s potential for rehabilitation, stating, “I believe the chance for your rehabilitation is high. Therefore, I find it appropriate to suspend your punishment. However, in order to prevent you and others from committing similar offenses and to safeguard the community, I suspend your punishment for a period of seven years.”