23-year-old jailed for child assault attempt, police injuries

Apr 1, 2026 | News | 0

A 23-year-old man from Bladiniere Stage II has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after pleading guilty to a series of violent offences, including an attempted sexual assault on a child and seriously injuring two police officers.

Georgino Nanua appeared before Justice Viran Molisa Trief in the Supreme Court on Friday, where he was convicted on four charges: attempted unlawful sexual intercourse with a child aged 13–14 (Count 2), two counts of intentional assault causing temporary injury (Counts 3 and 4), and domestic violence (Count 1).

The incidents occurred on 25 September 2025. Early that morning, Nanua argued with his mother at their home, grabbed a machete, and chased her into a nearby banana patch.

Later that afternoon, Nanua approached a young victim with the machete and attempted to sexually assault her. She managed to escape and was assisted by neighbours.

Police Tactical Response Unit officers arrived shortly after. Nanua barricaded himself inside his house, wielding the machete and slashing at officers’ shields. Senior Inspector Sylvain Taliban and Police Constable Manuriki Willie Toama sustained serious head injuries and required hospital treatment. Officers eventually used force to arrest him.

Justice Trief set a global starting point of 4 years and 6 months’ imprisonment, taking into account aggravating factors such as premeditation, use of a lethal weapon, breach of trust towards his mother, and injuries to four victims. No mitigating factors were identified.

Deductions were made for Nanua’s early guilty plea (18 months) and personal circumstances, including his age, lack of prior convictions, family support, remorse, and mental health history (a further 6.5 months). He expressed willingness to participate in a reconciliation ceremony, though the injured officers declined.

The final concurrent sentences, backdated to his remand date of 26 September 2025, are:

• 2 years, 5.5 months for the attempted sexual offence

• 2 years, 5 months each for the two assaults on police

• 2 years for domestic violence

Justice Trief stressed the need for denunciation, deterrence, community protection, and accountability, refusing to suspend the sentence despite Nanua’s youth and study plans. She cited precedent from Public Prosecutor v Gideon VUCA 7for immediate custody in serious sexual cases.

Nanua has 14 days to lodge an appeal.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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23-year-old jailed for child assault attempt, police injuries

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