Meli Bainimarama, the son of Fiji’s former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for a brutal attack on a former girlfriend in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in her suffering a ruptured eardrum. The 38-year-old has pleaded guilty to various domestic violence-related charges, including choking, assault, and disseminating an intimate image of his partner without consent.
During the sentencing at Parramatta Local Court, Magistrate Timothy Khoo handed down the 28-month prison term, which includes a non-parole period of 14 months. The court heard that Bainimarama’s relationship with the victim began in February 2022 and that violence quickly escalated. The first incident of abuse occurred while the victim was driving him to the airport, resulting in a series of violent actions including punching and scratching, which left her in significant distress.
Bainimarama’s troubling history includes a previous 10-month sentence for domestic violence offenses against another woman earlier in 2023, demonstrating a concerning pattern of behavior. While in bail for the aforementioned offenses, he also assaulted his estranged wife in their shared residence.
The court recognized that, despite Bainimarama expressing a desire to improve himself, the severity of his offenses while on bail raised significant concerns about his risk to the community. He is slated for potential release in January 2026.
This case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence, highlighting the need for effective preventive measures and support systems for victims. It serves as a reminder of the legal system’s role in holding offenders accountable and protecting vulnerable individuals from further harm. As society continues to combat domestic violence, there’s hope that increased awareness and resources will contribute to safer environments for those affected by such issues.
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