Two of the three men charged with the assault of an elderly man have been granted suspended sentences. Ratu Lepani Kalivanua and Moape Naleba received three-year prison sentences, which will only be activated if they commit another offense within the next three years. They were jointly accused alongside Timoci Vunisa, and all three appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva.
The charges stemmed from an incident on March 7 two years ago, where the men assaulted Parnit Vikash Singh, causing him to lose consciousness. He sustained multiple abrasions, and the attack only ceased when a neighbor intervened.
While Vunisa was initially remanded for three months, he was later re-arrested and has spent a total of eight months in custody. The court noted that he has already served his time. All three men, who are first-time offenders, expressed remorse for their actions during the court proceedings.
This case highlights the importance of accountability while allowing the possibility for rehabilitation. The suspended sentences indicate a chance for the offenders to reflect on their actions and make positive changes in their lives. With the right guidance and support, there is hope that they can reintegrate into society as responsible individuals, learning from their past mistakes.
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