A 24-year-old woman who poured hot water on her defacto partner in February this year because she was angry he used her hair gel has been given a suspended sentence by High Court Judge, Justice Riyaz Hamza in the Suva High Court.
Etasa Digo who pleaded guilty to one count of Act with Intent to Cause Grievous Harm has been sentenced to 2 years imprisonment which has been suspended for 5 years.
This means Digo does not get any jail time but may have to serve the sentence if she commits an offence within the suspended period.
While delivering his sentence, Justice Hamza said Digo was caution interviewed by Police and she admitted she was angry with the defacto partner for using her hair gel.
Justice Hamza said she also admitted that because of that, she boiled the water and then poured hot water on him.
The Judge said the medical examination report of the complainant confirms that he sustained second-degree burns on his right arm.
As aggravating factors, Justice Hamza considered that there was a domestic relationship and that serious injuries were caused as a result of the woman’s actions.
Justice Hamza also considered that the woman was at an advanced stage of her pregnancy.
He took into account that the woman was a first offender and cooperated with Police when she was taken in for questioning.
The Judge also considered that she was truly remorseful for her actions and has sought forgiveness from the defacto-partner and his family.
Justice Hamza said Digo has reconciled with the complainant who testified in court and submitted that he has forgiven the woman.
The Judge also considered that the woman entered a guilty plea at a very early stage in the proceedings.
A permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order for the protection of the complainant has also been issued by Justice Hamza.
