Two of the three men found guilty of assaulting an elderly man have had their three-year prison sentences suspended for a period of three years. Ratu Lepani Kalivanua and Moape Naleba were jointly charged alongside Timoci Vunisa in connection with the incident that occurred on March 7, two years ago.
Appearing before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva, the two men will avoid serving time unless they commit further offenses within the suspension period. The case involved the brutal beating of Parnit Vikash Singh, who lost consciousness during the assault and sustained multiple abrasions before a neighbor intervened to stop the attack.
While Vunisa was initially remanded for three months, he was re-arrested and has been in custody since July 10 of this year, totaling eight months. The court has indicated that he has served his time.
All three men, noted as first-time offenders, showed remorse for their behavior in court.
In a broader context, this case highlights issues regarding violence and community safety. However, the suspended sentences provide an opportunity for the offenders to reflect and rehabilitate while remaining under the court’s watch. The judicial system offers a path forward, encouraging individuals to learn from their mistakes while aiming to reintegrate into society without reoffending.
This situation marks a chance for all involved, particularly the offenders, to pursue positive change in their lives. The community’s response and the victims’ needs must also be central as they navigate the aftermath of such incidents.
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