22-year-old Samuela Bokadi who violently attacked Police officers trying to protect his partner in 2018 at the Delainavesi Police Post has been jailed for 5 years.
In his sentence today, High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar says following a trial, Bokadi was convicted of six counts of attempted act with intent to cause grievous harm and four counts of resisting arrest.
Justice Goundar says Bokadi pleaded guilty to a charge of damaging property before the commencement of trial.
The Judge says Bokadi was in a living relationship with the partner and the couple lived in a separate dwelling with Bokadi's parents living next to them.
Justice Goundar says on the morning of 24th July 2018, the couple had an argument over Bokadi being away from home during the weekend.
Damages to the Delainavesi Police Post caused by Samuela Bokadi in 2018. [image: Fiji Police]
Out of concern for the safety of the victim, Bokadi's father told her to take refuge at the Delainavesi Police Post next to their home.
Justice Goundar says the Police Post was being managed by a female Police officer that morning.
The Judge says shortly after Bokadi's partner arrived at the Police Post, Bokadi's father followed her as he was concerned about her safety.
As Bokadi's father was having a conversation with officer at the Police Post, Bokadi appeared with two cane knives and attempted to enter.
The female officer at the Delainavesi Police Post warned Bokadi not to enter but Bokadi became aggressive and threatened her.
Justice Goundar says the officer called for back up but her call was not answered.
The Judge says the officer then tried to reach out to the public on the highway for help when Bokadi struck her legs with the cane knife.
It was heard in court that the officer managed to dodge the knife and run to safety and by that time three more Police officers arrived at the scene after seeing the confrontation from the highway.
Justice Goundar says when the officers told Bokadi to put down his weapon and surrender, Bokadi ran after them with the cane knives, hurling threats to kill.
Damages to the Delainavesi Police Post caused by Samuela Bokadi in 2018. [image: Fiji Police]
The Judge says Bokadi made several attempts to gain entry into the Delainavesi Police Post knowing his partner was hiding inside but his father obstructed him.
Justice Goundar adds in the rage, Bokadi struck Delainavesi Police Post several times causing extensive damage to the building.
The total value of the damage done to the property was $587.56.
Justice Goundar says eventually a backup Police team arrived and Bokadi turned to them as well.
He struck a police officer who managed to dodge it and fall off the tray of the vehicle.
Justice Goundar says the police officers then armed themselves with rocks and approached Bokadi.
It was only then Bokadi dropped the cane knives and surrendered.
Bokadi was 20-years-old at the time of the offence.
Justice Goundar says Bokadi comes from a disadvantaged background and that according to his psychological assessment report, Bokadi's disadvantaged background may have led him to commit the offences in 2018.
The Judge went on to say that Bokadi was born when his mother was incarcerated in prison for an offence and two weeks after his birth the mother was granted an early release to assist with lactation and bonding between the mother and child.
Justice Goundar said Bokadi grew up in an unstable environment and was raised by his older siblings as his parents spent most of their time in prison while he was growing up.
It was also heard in court that Bokadi had entered primary school but dropped out later when his mother was incarcerated in prison.
Delainavesi Police Post. [image: Fiji Police]
Justice Goundar says Bokadi's relationship with his father was abusive and Bokadi was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a very young age.
The Judge said at the age of 14, Bokadi got involved in delinquency and was detained in the centre for juvenile delinquency.
Justice Goundar also highlighted that when Bokadi became an adult he had difficulty in maintaining lasting relationships.
In 2017, he met the victim when she was a tertiary student but she later decided to discontinue her studies and settle down with Bokadi.
Justice Goundar says there remained an element of distrust between Bokadi and the partner and this caused them to quarrel alot in their relationship.
The Judge said fortunately no one was injured as a result of Bokadi's actions.
Justice Goundar also said that the court has been informed that the relationship between Bokadi and his partner had ended after he was arrested and remanded in custody in this case.
A non-parole period of 3 years has been set.
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