IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI 2013

CRIMINAL CASE NO. 28 OF 2012

BETWEEN

[THE REPUBLIC
PROSECUTOR

[AND

[TOKINTEKAI RAURENTI
1ST ACCUSED

[KAUEATA TAABERATA
2ND ACCUSED

Before: Hon Chief Justice Sir John Muria

2 July 2013

Ms Tewiia Tawita for Prosecution
Mr Raweita Beniata for 1st Accused
Ms Andrea Hadaway for 2nd Accused

SENTENCE

Muria CJ: You both pleaded guilty to the charge of Indecent Assault of a young girl of 13 years of age and thereby saved the victim of the trauma of having to come to Court to re-live the events. The Court gives you full credit for your admission, not only to the Court but also to the police.

You were both young – although (first accused) you were older at the time of the incident.

The Court will differentiate the two of you only in terms of age. But you both played a part in what you did to the victim.

The victim was only 13 years old and at that age you did something to her that violated her person. The Court does not accept the suggestion that what was done to the victim could be viewed as a "game". This is in fact more of an act of stupidity and should be discouraged even if committed by young boys of your ages.

No doubt you will not forget what you did to the victim and hopefully that will make you grow up to be good citizens of the country by not repeating what you did.

As indicated your guilty pleas and your youthful ages have considerably played a factor in sentencing you in this case.

In all the circumstances, the sentences of the Court are:

1st Accused	6 months' imprisonment	
2nd Accused	3 months' imprisonment	

I accept the submission that in the circumstances the sentences should be suspended. This is to help you take the opportunity to realize that the Court gave you chances to mend your ways.

ORDER: 	2nd Accused	6 months' imprisonment	
	1st Accused	3 months' imprisonment	

Both sentences are suspended for 12 months on good behaviour

Dated the 24th day of July 2013

SIR JOHN MURIA
Chief Justice