The High Court has sentenced a 49-year-old security guard to life imprisonment, mandating a minimum non-parole period of 16 years and 11 months after he was found guilty of murder and causing grievous harm. Joni Raciri appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu in court yesterday.
Raciri had entered a guilty plea on October 12, 2023, for one count of murder and one count of acting with intent to inflict serious injury. Justice Bulamainaivalu highlighted aggravating factors, including the severity of the injuries and the emotional trauma inflicted on the victim, who was particularly vulnerable due to intoxication. The judge noted that Raciri had also obstructed the victim’s escape, adding to the seriousness of the offense.
The judge established a starting point for sentencing at four years, then increased it by four years due to these factors, ultimately ruling that both counts would run concurrently, resulting in a life sentence. Raciri has 30 days to file an appeal with the Fiji Court of Appeal.