A 40 year old Vanua Levu man has been sentenced to 17 years and 6 months imprisonment for one count of aggravated robbery, one count of indecent assault, and one count of robbery following two cases of home invasion.
While sentencing Sunia Bainivalu, High Court Judge, Justice Lee Burney said in the first incident, Bainivalu entered a woman's home in the early hours of 20th August 2023, put a knife to her throat, and demanded that she give her necklace, bracelet, and two rings.
He then indecently assaulted her, and ran away with her mobile phone.
On the same night, Bainivalu entered the home of another woman.
When her alarm sounded at 4am, she realised that there was someone in her bedroom.
Justice Burney said Bainivalu placed his hand over her mouth, and took her mobile phone.
The judge said the prosecution provided victim impact statements which he has carefully
considered.
He said they reveal the profound and enduring consequences of the man's offending for both complainants and their families.
He said in mitigation, he was informed that the man is now 40 years of age, married with
three children, and some of the stolen items were recovered.
Justice Burney decided that the minimum sentence that he can impose proportionate to the gravity of the offending across all three counts is 18 years’ imprisonment.
A non-parole period of 11 years 6 months has been set.
