BY MELVILLE TITIULU
A man who stole a phone from his close neighbor has been given a suspended sentence of 2 years.
Mr Darobi Napo, pleaded guilty and admitted to stealing a Samsung S21 phone at 01 area, White River, West Honiara, on the 15th of December 2025.
Addressing the defendant at the dock, the Principal Magistrate Mrs Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa said his actions demonstrate the characteristic of a bad neighbor or someone who holds no shred of care and respect for other people.
The defendant was initially sentenced to 9 months’ imprisonment for one count of simple larceny.
The Principal Magistrate took into consideration 1 month the defendant spent in custody and hence, deducted that 1 month, and he was left with 8 months imprisonment, so is suspended for 2 years.
In reference to the time spent whilst in custody, the Principal Magistrate said she hopes his stay at the central correctional centre has taught him a thing or two about the path he has chosen to take.
The defendant told the Principal Magistrate in court, that he was apologetic for his actions and he made a promise to her that he will no longer steal from other people again.
The Principal Magistrate warned the defendant in court, that if he reoffends anytime within the 2-years period, he will have to serve the 8 months’ imprisonment imposed on him.
On or about the 15th of December 2025, the defendant was consuming alcohol with his girlfriend and the complainant, John Tatonga.
When the complainant was asleep, the defendant stole a Samsung S21 from the pocket of his trousers. Later, the complainant was informed by one, David Mae, who woke him up and told him that the defendant had taken something from him.
The complainant reported the matter to the white river police station and the defendant was later arrested and charged.
The defendant was released on bail but failed to appear at the central magistrate court on the 26th January 2026.
A warrant of arrest was issued, which led to his rearrest. He was subsequently, refused bail by the court on February 2, 2026. Since then, he had spent 1 month in custody at the central correctional Centre.
Police Constable Joana Auna represented the Police Prosecutions Department (PPD) and the defendant was represented by the senior Defence Counsel, Jeremy Saeni from the Public Solicitors’ office.
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