The Supreme Court has sentenced 64-year-old Jack Lui to 18 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to three counts of domestic violence, with six months of the sentence suspended on the condition that he takes part in rehabilitation programmes aimed at addressing family violence and anger management.
In delivering the sentence on 5 June 2026, Justice Josaia Naigulevu said the suspended portion of the sentence would allow Lui the opportunity to rehabilitate while remaining under strict conditions.
The Court directed the Correctional Services Department to enrol Lui in suitable rehabilitation programmes during the six-month suspension period, focusing on family violence and anger management.
Lui pleaded guilty to all three charges when he appeared before the Supreme Court on 31 March 2026.
The Court heard that Lui, who lived with his de facto wife, and other family members at Eratap on Efate, committed the offences in 2025.
During one incident, he became angry with his wife and forced her to swallow eleven “Naus” fruits.
He also used abusive and vulgar language towards her, demanding that she return to her family’s home.
In another incident, he verbally abused his stepdaughter’s partner, ordering him to leave the property.
Justice Naigulevu noted that domestic violence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and stressed that offences involving violence within families are treated seriously by the courts.
The judge identified several aggravating factors, including Lui’s previous conviction for a similar domestic violence offence, the fact that the offending was unprovoked, and the breach of trust involved in abusing family members who were entitled to expect care and protection.
Although the prosecution sought a starting point of between 36 and 40 months’ imprisonment, the Court considered the circumstances of the case less serious than others involving repeated physical assaults, weapons or serious injuries.
A starting point of 28 months was adopted.
Lui received a 25 per cent reduction for his early guilty plea and a further three-month reduction after the Court considered his personal circumstances.
The Court heard that he had shown genuine remorse, had contributed to his community and church, and expressed a willingness to participate in customary reconciliation.
His wife also indicated she was prepared to resume living with him after his release.
Despite these mitigating factors, Justice Naigulevu said Lui remained a repeat offender, making imprisonment necessary. The Court imposed a final sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment on each of the three charges, to be served concurrently.
Lui will serve 12 months in prison, with the remaining six months suspended.
The Court also ruled that an additional one month and 27 days relating to a previous parole breach must still be served and cannot form part of the suspended sentence.
Justice Naigulevu reminded Lui that he has 14 days to appeal the sentence.
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
