A 19-year-old who was found guilty of breaking into a home and stealing valuables has been ordered to attend counseling by the Social Welfare Department as part of his two-year suspended sentence.
The individual will avoid incarceration if he refrains from committing further offenses for the next seven years. The judge has mandated that he be put on probation with the Social Welfare Department for a period of two years, following the crime he committed at age 17.
“Counseling should be arranged for you promptly, with your mother present,” instructed Justice Riyaz Hamza during the High Court proceedings in Lautoka. He emphasized that the Social Welfare Department must also assist and support the accused’s mother in enhancing her parenting skills.
“The mother is responsible for ensuring that you follow any guidelines set forth by the Social Welfare Department,” the judge added.
The young man faced charges of aggravated burglary last year for trespassing into a house in Korovutu, Ba, while the homeowner was away in Labasa. Justice Hamza noted that the harm inflicted in this case could be considered low since the stolen items had minimal value and there were no incidents of physical or psychological harm to the complainant, nor was there any violence involved.
During the mitigation phase, it was disclosed that the accused is now involved in farming and acknowledged that his offense stemmed from poor judgment and peer pressure.
“I believe you have a high chance of rehabilitation, which is why I find it suitable to suspend your punishment. However, to discourage you and others from similar offenses and to protect the community, I will suspend your sentence for seven years,” Justice Hamza concluded.