The sentencing submissions and mitigation for a man who admitted to burning his brother’s house last September in Guadalcanal has been adjourned to January 15.
James Leua, 40, is facing one count of Arson.
He had previously pleaded guilty, and his matter was listed for sentencing submissions and mitigation in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
However, Public Prosecutor Herrick Lautalo had just returned from compassionate leave and was yet to finalise the agreed facts and submissions.
On his instruction, colleague Jeremy Oiofa requested a seven-day adjournment to allow Lautalo to finalise those documents for Leua’s appearance on the next court date.
Principal Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa granted the adjournment and set the matter for January 15 for sentencing submissions.
The incident occurred on 10 September 2025 at Rara Village, North Guadalcanal.
Witnesses saw Leua, under the influence of alcohol, standing beside his brother’s house while it was engulfed in flames.
Multiple attempts to apprehend him between 11 and 23 September failed, until police arrested him on 2 October at Sape Road at GPPOL 1.
Ruth Wairepo from the Public Solicitor’s Office represents Leua.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
