The High Court has imposed a three-year concurrent sentence on a serving prisoner convicted of trespassing with intent to steal and resisting police arrest, in a case stemming from an incident on September 17, 2023. Vilikesa Delana, already serving a 10-year term, was found guilty on a count each of aggravated burglary, attempted theft, giving false information to a public officer, and two counts of resisting arrest.
The court heard that Delana, in the company of others, entered the victim’s property to steal. Neighbours alerted authorities after hearing noises and sensing something amiss. Police observed Delana attempting to jump over the fence surrounding the property. He resisted arrest, kicking, pushing, and shoving the officers, and provided a false name when questioned.
Justice Bull noted that the burglary committed in the company of others suggested some level of planning, albeit not highly sophisticated or organized. There was no evidence of weapons or violence, the court was told, and nothing was stolen; however, the door of the victim’s house was damaged. Delana is also serving a separate 10-year sentence.
Context from recent cases in the region shows a pattern of multi‑year terms for aggravated burglary and related offences. For example, in Suva, Silivio Vueti Kavu was sentenced to three years with a two-year non-parole period for a planned break-in and theft, while another case involved a habitual offender, Nilesh Lal, who received three years and four months for aggravated burglary and related charges, with a two-year and four-month non-parole period. These rulings reflect a judiciary focus on deterrence and accountability in home-invasion crimes, and highlight ongoing efforts to protect victims and communities.
Practical takeaway for readers includes strengthening home security: reinforcing doors and windows, using quality locks, ensuring adequate lighting, and considering cameras or alarms where feasible. Keeping an up-to-date inventory of valuables and reporting suspicious activity promptly can also support prompt police response and victim assistance.
In a broader sense, the ruling underscores the courts’ stance that trespass and attempted theft on private property are serious offenses that threaten personal security and community safety, and that custodial sentencing remains an appropriate response in many cases. There is cautious optimism that the legal process will continue to hold offenders accountable while reinforcing opportunities for rehabilitation in appropriate cases.
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