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Republic v Katewea [2004] KIHC 200; Criminal Case 40 of 2004 (4 August 2004)

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

High Court Criminal Case No. 40 of 2004

THE REPUBLIC

vs

NARUAI KATEWEA

For the Republic: Ms Eveata Maata
For the Accused: Mr Aomoro Amten

Date of Hearing: 22 July 2004

SENTENCE

Naruai Katewea: you have been found guilty of unlawful wounding. You had been drinking sour toddy all day at a house. The son of the house, the victim made you leave. You did leave but came back and stabbed the victim with a knife causing significant injury to him.

That is a summary: the facts are in my reasons for convicting you.

You are 55 years old and come from TabNorth. You have seven children, the eldest being 17 or 18. You have been a watchman at BKL. You support your mother and children. Four days after this incident you sent your sister to apologise: the apology was accepted. You say you have not drunk alcohol since this happened.

You had four convictions between 1967 and 1975 but they are so long ago that I ignore them in deciding sentence. I sentence you as if this wee your first offence. Unlawful wounding has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. This was a serious case of unlawful wounding for which you should go to gaol. You will be imprisoned for one year. The term will run from last Friday, 30 July.

Dated the 4th day of August 2004

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice