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Republic v Taniera [2002] KIHC 52; Criminal Case 32 of 2001 (22 April 2002)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
HELD AT BETIO
REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI

High Court Criminal Case No. 32 of 2001

THE REPUBLIC

vs

RONE TANIERA

For the Republic: Ms Ereta Bruce
For the Accused: Ms Taoing Taoaba

Date of Hearing: 20 April 2002

SENTENCE

Rone Taniera: you have pleaded guilty to arson. You have admitted that on 26 May 2000 you set fire to a house on Maiana. The damage to the house was $200.00. The house has been repaired.

At the time you were suffering from a mental illness known as schizophrenia. You say you did not realize what you were doing.

The house belonged to the family of your husband from whom you are separated. The family think you did it out of resentment.

Ms Taoaba said you are sorry for what you did. You are reconciled with the family and living with them now at Bikenibeu.

You have no previous convictions.

Arson is a very serious crime and normally someone who sets fire to a building goes to jail for some quite long time.

However in your case you will not go to jail if you will enter into a bond to be of good behaviour for two years from today. That means you must not commit any other crime in that time. If you do you may be punished not only for what you may have done wrong then but you also may be sent to jail for burning down this house. You would be punished for both crimes.

Do you understand that?

I only make one condition: that is that you must take the medicine which the doctor may prescribe for you. Taking your medicine regularly will keep you well. Do you promise to take the medicine which the doctor at the Hospital gives you and tells you to take?

Dated the 22^nd day of April 2002

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
CHIEF JUSTICE