The High Court in Lautoka has issued a recommendation for the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service to provide counseling for 19-year-old Josefa Hope Bolawaqatabu, who has been convicted of several offenses. Justice Sunil Sharma, while imposing a sentence on Bolawaqatabu, noted his involvement in three counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of theft, along with breaches of bail conditions and a suspended sentence.
He received a prison sentence of three years, four months, and 10 days, with a non-parole period set at two years and four months. Court records revealed that Bolawaqatabu committed these crimes at night, entering three different businesses and stealing a total of $2,360 along with various other items.
The judge highlighted the convict’s blatant disregard for court orders, given that he was on bail and had previously received a suspended sentence, which was violated upon re-offending. “The accused displayed a bold and undeterred behavior alongside an accomplice,” Justice Sharma remarked. He acknowledged the growing concern among business owners regarding safety due to rising crime rates.
Despite the need for accountability, Justice Sharma emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, expressing hope that Bolawaqatabu would embrace this opportunity to reform during his sentence. In addition to imprisonment, he was fined $90, which must be paid within 90 days, otherwise he would face an additional month in jail.
The judge reflected on the significance of balancing rehabilitation with community expectations regarding justice, stating that he believes the sentence is appropriate for aiding Bolawaqatabu’s path to reformation. The hope is that this young offender will learn from his experiences and avoid future conflicts with the law.
This case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by young individuals navigating the legal system and underscores the importance of providing them with support and rehabilitation to deter future offenses.
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