Man guilty of manslaughter after booze-up gets 10 years

A 24-YEAR-OLD man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter was jailed for 10 years by the National Court in Lae yesterday.
Justice Lawrence Kangwia, in sentencing Jethro Kapete, said wanton killings caused by intoxication were prevalent in society.
“This calls for increased jail terms on offenders of such crimes as a deterrent,” Justice Kangwia said.
He said the guidelines on previous sentences were good law and of general application, but the guidelines were in no way trampling on the sentencing discretion of the court.
“Sentences for manslaughter cases like the present case are hovering around 12 to 13 years on guilty pleas,” Justice Kangwia said.
“The maximum sentence for manslaughter is life imprisonment but it is reserved for worse cases.”