BY ROMINAH FAKA
The sentence for a couple convicted of indecent acts will be delivered on July 5.
The matter was mentioned at the Magistrate court on Monday this week for prosecution and defence to submit their written and oral sentencing submissions.
Prosecution submitted its written and oral submissions, however defence could only submit its written submission.
During the submissions prosecution highlighted the aggravating factors which included breach of trust as the couple are regarded as the aunty and uncle of the two victims.
Prosecution also sought court’s consideration for a consecutive sentence for the first defendant (husband) as the case involved two separate victims despite occurring at the same time.
Defence on the other hand asked court to consider the opposite, a concurrent sentence for the ‘husband’ since the offence was committed at the same time though on two separate victims.
Defence also sought court’s consideration for the second defendant (wife) for her imprisonment sentence to be suspended to allow her to look after the couple’s children who are nine and two years old.
The couple are first-time offenders as well.
Court adjourned the matter for July 5 for sentence.
Bail for the wife was extended and she is to appear in court and remand for the husband was extended.
Court heard that on April 16, 2023 in Honiara, the 13 and 15-year-old complainants were inside the couple’s room along with two of the couple’s children.
The complainants are nieces of the second accused (wife).
On that day the first accused (husband) allegedly showed his private parts to the two victims.
The wife had encouraged her husband to commit this act, court heard.
The parents of the two victims reported the matter to the police.
Georgina Oroi acts for crown and Emy Rusi act for couple.
