Two men found guilty of trespassing into the home of a 36-year-old woman have received two-year prison sentences, which have been suspended for five years. Meleti Balei, aged 23, and Qelenika Kula, 20, pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated burglary.
During proceedings, the court heard that the two, who are relatives, unlawfully entered the complainant’s residence in an attempt to steal food on November 26 of the previous year. The victim, who is Balei’s sister and Kula’s cousin, reported the incident after discovering her front door open upon returning home.
Justice Riyaz Hamza noted in his ruling, delivered in the High Court in Lautoka on September 5, that both men were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crime. As first-time offenders, they showed remorse for their actions and assured the court that they would not commit similar offenses in the future.
Justice Hamza expressed confidence in their potential for rehabilitation.