By Linny Folau

Bosco Fakatava (19) is serving six months imprisonment after pleading guilty to robbery of a cell phone and cash totaling over $2,000 from a victim whom he assaulted in 2024. His co-accused, who pleaded not guilty, awaits a verdict.

The accused was charged with the offence committed on 22 November 2024, at Ma'ufanga, when he together with Viliami Tomasi robbed Xiauhui Lin of his Oppo phone valued at $1,166 and $1,000 when he used violence by restraining and assaulting him.

Chief Magistrate Loupua Pahulu Kuli sentenced the accused on 30 June in the Fasi Magistrate's Court. This was after he pleaded guilty to the charge earlier in May. This offence carries a sentence of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years and its is reflected in the punishment spelled out in the law, said the Magistrate.

The Crown submitted this accused was the principal offender. He was also intoxicated when he punched the victim's face.

The court heard that the victim and his family remain afraid and traumatized by this robbery committed by the accused. She said this was a despicable act that he committed with the goods not recovered.

There were mitigating factors, as he asked the court for leniency and he regretted his actions and was remorseful. He pleaded guilty and had no criminal record before committing this offence.

“Despite the seriousness of this offence, the accused is young, had pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. He was also reported to have changed his life around and have stopped drinking alcohol since this offence so it was appropriate to suspend part of his sentence, where he can use to turn his life around,” stated the Chief Magistrate.

The accused was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment with nine months suspended on conditions for one year. This included not committing any offence once he is released from prison. He is now serving six months in prison.