BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A Principal Magistrate has told the court he will excuse himself from delivering a sentence judgment in a case of a teenager accused of intimidation and molestation.
The principal Magistrate told the parties on Monday this week that he will not deliver the sentence himself for fear of and a real risk that the defendant might retaliate, pointing out that the defendant might throw stones at his vehicle if he drives past his house given that they are neighbors residing in the same residential area.
Antony Talo, 18, of Fourere village, Baelelea, Malaita Province, faces charges of Intimidation and Molestation under Section 231(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.
Police Prosecution alleged that on December 28, 2025, at around 3 am, in West Honiara, the defendant threw stones onto the roof of his neighbor, Elsie Daiwo’s house, causing fear among her family.
When Mrs Daiwo confronted him, the accused allegedly responded with abusive language and dragged a sharp iron object on the ground in a threatening manner.
The court heard and dealt with oral and written sentencing and mitigating submissions from both Prosecution and Defence earlier this month, and is yet to deliver its sentence judgement.
The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, May 26 and is relisted before a different magistrate to deliver a sentence.
In the meantime, the court has directed that the Police Prosecutor summon the defendant to appear at the next court date to receive his sentence before a different magistrate.
Barret Raoga from the Police Prosecutions Department is prosecuting the case, while Trevor Tukochi from the Public Solicitors’ Office represents the defendant.
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