The Lautoka High Court has urged the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service to arrange counseling for a 19-year-old who has been convicted of several serious offenses. Justice Sunil Sharma handed down a sentence to Josefa Hope Bolawaqatabu, who was found guilty of three counts of aggravated robbery, three counts of theft, and violations of bail and suspended sentence conditions.
Bolawaqatabu received a prison term of three years, four months, and ten days, with a mandatory non-parole period of two years and four months. Court documents revealed that he and an accomplice committed the crimes during nighttime hours by infiltrating three different businesses and stealing a total of $2,360 in cash along with various other items.
Despite being on bail and a suspended sentence at the time, Bolawaqatabu continued to disregard legal orders, which the judge emphasized by stating, “The accused was bold and undeterred.” This behavior reflects a wider trend of rising criminal activity, particularly concerning theft, resulting in business owners feeling insecure about leaving their properties unattended.
However, Justice Sharma also recognized Bolawaqatabu’s youth and potential for rehabilitation. He underscored the importance of providing opportunities for rehabilitation while serving his sentence. Along with the prison time, Bolawaqatabu has been ordered to pay a fine of $90, with a month of jail time as a penalty for default.
Justice Sharma expressed hope that this experience would encourage the young offender to change his ways and avoid future legal troubles, saying, “It is sincerely hoped that the accused, a young offender, will take advantage of this short sentence.”
This case highlights the delicate balance between punishment and the potential for rehabilitation for young offenders. With appropriate support, there is hope that Bolawaqatabu can learn from his mistakes and rejoin society as a law-abiding citizen.
Summary: A 19-year-old young man has been sentenced to over three years in prison for multiple offenses, with the High Court recommending counseling as part of his rehabilitation. Justice Sunil Sharma emphasized the need for the accused to learn from his mistakes and avoid future legal issues.
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