Mitigating factors are as follows: early pleaded guilty plea, 63 years old, performed a custom reconciliation ceremony with a VT22,000 which could not be confirmed.

The end sentence is 4 years and 9 months’ imprisonment.

Brother-in-law charged for indecency

Sam Jimmy Natiang pleaded guilty to one charge of act of indecency without consent. He is convicted on his plea and the admitted facts.

The maximum sentence for this crime is 7 years imprisonment however, 16 months was adopted as the starting point.

Mitigating factors are as follows: early guilty plea, 31 years old, in a de facto relationship, four children, partner expecting their fifth child, no previous convictions, Natiang’s chief and family performed a custom reconciliation ceremony on his behalf with the complainant and her family involving a fine of a pig, a mat, a stem of kava, 7 yams and VT10,000 cash.

The end sentence 8 months’ imprisonment. The sentence was suspended for 2 years.

In addition, he is ordered to complete 100 hours of community work.

Teacher exposes privates to 13-year-old student

Galibert Mwera pleaded guilty to one charge of act of indecency with a young person. The Court convinced Mwera on his plea and the admitted facts.

The maximum sentence for this crime is 10 years imprisonment however, 3 years was adopted as the starting point.

Mitigating factors are as follows: prompt guilty plea, 44 years old, married and has five children, is responsible to look after his 81year old mother, no previous convictions and performed a custom reconciliation ceremony.

The end sentence is 1 year and 10 months’ imprisonment.

34-year-old youth pastor rapes

Wessao Moses was convicted after trial of one charge of sexual intercourse without consent.

The maximum sentence for this crime is life imprisonment however, 8 years was adopted as the starting point.

Mitigating factors are as follows: is 34 years old, married with three children, no previous convictions, is a youth pastor, pays for children’s school fees through kava, peanut farming, sells bread and gato, wife and children are dependent on him, is stated to have a good relationship with family and community, performed a reconciliation ceremony and made a public apology for his having sex with the complainant.

The end sentence is 6 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

Drunkard charged for domestic violence

Pascal Melteres was charged with 2 counts of domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to count 1 and entered a not guilty plea to count 2. The prosecution nollied count 2. The defendant is now for sentence only in relation to count 1.

The maximum sentence for this crime imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding VT100, 000 or both.  The starting point of sentence is 12 months’ imprisonment.

Mitigating factors are as follows: prompt guilty plea, no pre-sentence report has been filed, 26 years old, in a de-facto relationship with 2 children, earns his income from kava and he is a first-time offender.

The end sentence is 6 months imprisonment which is suspended for a period of 1 year. Should the defendant re-offend during this time, the suspended sentence will be reactivated to be served in custody.

53-year-old assaults 15-year-old boy

Solorani Taviti pleaded guilty to a single charge of intentional assault causing damage of a temporary nature.

The maximum sentence for this crime is 5 years in prison however, the starting point of sentence is 3 years was adopted.

Mitigating factors are as follows: is 53 years old, first-time offender, is married with 4 children and 6 grandchildren, is responsible for his brother’s children and his elderly mother, is the chairman of the Chief’s Council of Nanuhu, helps his people resolve their disputes and is a faithful member of the SDA Church.

The end sentence is 15 months’ imprisonment. Considering the nature and circumstances of the offending the sentence will be suspended for a period of 2 years. Should the defendant reoffend during this period the suspended sentence will be reactivated to be served in custody. In addition, the defendant will perform 150 hours community work.

2 years for oral sex with a 14-year-old boy

Terry Vari pleaded guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent and one count of act of indecency with a young person.

The maximum sentence for this crime is 10 years in prison however, the starting point adopted was 5 years.

Mitigating factors are as follows: pleaded guilty, first-time offender, opened his own business as harbour Wrecks Restaurant where he earns income to support his family, is an active member of his community and supports community activities, adoptive father speaks highly of him and says the defendant may have been influenced by others, is a member of the Pillar of Fire Universal Church, regrets his actions and intends to perform a custom reconciliation ceremony but none has been done as yet.

The end sentence is 2 years’ imprisonment.