BY MELVILLE TITIULU
The Honiara Central Magistrate Court yesterday sentenced a young man to 3 years imprisonment after he was convicted for stealing $400,000 from a Chinese businessman last year.
Benjamin Oge was charged with one count of burglary contrary to Section 299 (a) of the Penal Code and section 21 (a) of the Penal Code.
The offence of burglary attracts a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
He pleaded guilty to that charge when arraigned.
Principal Magistrate, Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa handed down her sentencing judgment yesterday.
The defendant was told in court that the circumstances of his case highly warrants a conviction given a specific need for deterrence especially considering the nature of the offending where a huge sum of money was involved.
In her sentencing remarks, the Principal Magistrate said “Mr Oge, human beings a proved to endure challenges and struggles in this world, and planet earth are meant for struggles.”
She was of the view that stealing does not help and there is no such thing as get rich quick schemes in this world.
“The complainants (Chinese shop owners) did not get rich over night, they work hard to earn it overtime,” the Principal Magistrate echoed this to the defendant standing at the dock.
The court took into consideration the seriousness of the offence as reflected in life imprisonment maximum, the night time at which the offence was committed at around 12am and 3am.
It also considered the weapon that was used and the premeditation and strategic planning involved. These were taken into account in view of the personal circumstances of the defendant in reaching a sentence of 36 months imprisonment.
“Mr Oge, today is your last day to come to court, I hope your stay at the correctional center will help you to reflect on the wrongs you have committed,” Mrs Pakoa said.
The complainant in this matter is Ke Qibing, a Chinese National. He is the second manager of Yuan Yuan Shop. That shop is located at level one of a three level building at China Town area, Honiara.
The complainant reported the matter and the accused was later arrested and charged.
A total of $82,825 SBD cash, 1 hyper boom speaker worth $6,000 and 1 Colorado boot worth $500 was recovered from Mr Oge. Thus, a total of $205,872 was recovered from the total amount of money stolen.
Martha Mutukera prosecuted the case, and she represented the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Mr Harry Luahiti from the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the offender.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
