Mother given non-custodial sentence

A 28-year-old single mother charged with concealing the birth of a baby was given a non-custodial sentence by the Suva High Court this morning.

Judge Justice Sitambaram Pillai Thurairaja ordered Vaviola Veresi to do 100 hours of community work at the Samabula Elderly Home in the next three months.

It is alleged that in May 2009, she gave birth to a baby girl and disposed her into her uncle’s pit toilet in the Eastern Division.

Veresi pleaded guilty to the charge last month.

While sentencing her, the Judge highlighted that the maximum sentence for this offence is two years imprisonment however looking at the mitigating factors, he decided to give her a non-custodial sentence.

The Judge also said she has not learnt her lesson from society and should have shown respect to a dead person.

The court will review her sentence in February next year.


Story by: Ronal Deo