A 17 -year-old juvenile who admitted to damaging the screen glass door of a public bus in Honiara has been handed over to his parents with strict conditions, after being sentenced to one count of Malicious Injuries.
The male, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the charge.
Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti handed down the sentence this week pursuant to section 16 of the Juvenile offenders Act, which allows her to deal with the juvenile in a manner she deems fit.
“By applying this, I note that there are different alternatives provided in this same provision to deal with juveniles,” she said.
Magistrate Beneteti framed the defendant’s penalty by handing him over to his parents, with specific conditions to be followed for the next three months.
These conditions include close monitoring by his father, abstaining from alcohol consumption, avoiding peer pressure, and obeying his parents.
The defendant is also required to attend church at Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), White River, West Honiara, and participate in counseling sessions with pastors.
Additionally, he must register with pathfinders youth group to learn and build his capacity as a youth.
The defendant’s parents are also required to assist the court by providing monthly reports for the next three months.
Magistrate Beneteti directed the defendant’s parents to repay the complainant for the repairs of the broken glass, allowing the victim to recover from their loss.
A review of the defendant’s progress is scheduled for September 29.
The incident occurred in April 22 at the Rifle Range area in Honiara during lunch hour.
The victim, a bus driver, was picking up passengers with his conductor when the defendant, under the influence of liquor, approached the bus and asked for $2.
When the victim did not respond, the defendant shouted aggressively and punched the door glass of the bus, causing it to break.
As magistrate Beneteti stated, “ By applying this, I note that there are different alternatives provided in this same provision to deal with juveniles.”
This approach, Magistrate Beneteti said, allows for the defendant’s rehabilitation and guidance.
Jennifer Happilyn of the Public Solicitor’s Office represents the juvenile, while Police Prosecutor Philip Muliungu appeared for the State.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
