Man jailed for 20 years

A 25-YEAR-old villager from East New Britain has been jailed for 20 years by the Kokopo National court for murdering a man who stole taro from his garden.
Acting judge, Justice David Maliku, told James Torai, from Takubar village, in Toma, Gazelle district, that he was provoked by the theft of taro from his garden but such frustration was controllable and other avenues could have been embarked on to settle the problem.
“You refused that offer and chose to fight, which resulted in a loss of life from a very simple stealing of taro from your garden,” he said.
The theft occurred at Kebereka block, Sinivit, on January 4 when the man and other youths stole taro from Torai’s garden.
During initial enquiries, the group denied stealing from Torai’s garden. Torai confronted the youths and a fight broke out.
The deceased picked up a stone and threw it at Torai’s chest.
Torai, armed with a long bush knife, swung it at the deceased’s forehead.
He was then rushed to the hospital but died on arrival.
The defence lawyer submitted that the accused pleaded guilty to the murder charge which had saved the court’s time and resources and that he and his relatives had compensated the deceased’s relatives and met funeral expenses.
The State maintained that a knife, a deadly weapon, was used with a significant force to fracture the skull of the deceased.
Maliku said the crime of murder was on the rise and the harshest sentencing would be given to deter the public from committing such offences.
“Killings that arise from unprovoked circumstances or minor provocation circumstances or controllable provocation have become prevalent and they call for harsher penalties,” he said.