5 men who broke into the late Ratu Mara's home escape prison sentences

Five men who broke into the late former President and Turaga Bale Na Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s home in Tubou village, Lakeba have escaped prison sentences.

23-year-old James Kacilala, 20-year-old Josua Gaunavinaka, 18-year-old Akapusi Qera, 18-year-old Waisake Kaisuva and 24-year-old Tevita Lagiloa were each charged with one count of aggravated burglary and theft.

They appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili this morning.

They had pleaded guilty to their charges.

The court was told that on the 5th of February this year, Kacilala, Gaunavinaka, Qera, Kaisuva and Lagiloa were drinking home brew when Kacilala came up with the idea that there was alcohol at the late Ratu Mara’s residence and asked others to break into the house.

Kacilala, Gaunavinaka and Qera climbed over the wooden fence and went straight to the back door of the house where they broke a window and climbed in the house.

They stole assorted alcohol worth $1,700.

Kacilala and Qera have been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which is suspended for two years while Kaisuva, Lagiloa and Gaunavinaka have been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment which is suspended for two years.