Meli Bainimarama, the son of Fiji’s former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after violently assaulting a former girlfriend in Sydney, resulting in severe injuries including a ruptured eardrum. The 38-year-old Bainimarama admitted to several domestic violence offenses, including choking and physically assaulting his partner, as well as distributing intimate images without consent.
During the sentencing at Parramatta Local Court, Magistrate Timothy Khoo determined that Bainimarama would serve a non-parole period of 14 months for his crimes, which included multiple counts of assault, choking without consent, and intimidation. The court revealed that the relationship began in February 2022, with the abuse commencing almost immediately, marking a troubling pattern in Bainimarama’s behavior.
This isn’t the first time Bainimarama has faced legal repercussions for violent behavior. He previously served seven months of a ten-month sentence for similar offenses against another woman earlier in 2023. While on bail, he also attacked his estranged wife, raising concerns about his potential risk to the community, especially given his history of violence in two different relationships.
The magistrate recognized that Bainimarama is making efforts towards personal improvement; however, this did not overshadow the seriousness of his offenses. Bainimarama is expected to be eligible for release in January 2026.
This situation serves as a stark reminder of the serious issue of domestic violence and its impact on victims. It also highlights the importance of taking claims of abuse seriously and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. Despite the grim circumstances surrounding this case, there is hope that through treatment and rehabilitation, individuals like Bainimarama can learn to change their destructive behaviors and contribute positively to society in the future.
Leave a comment