Seven-year jail for two men charged with arson suspended

The National National

TWO men charged with arson had their seven-year jail term suspended by the Kerevat National Court in East New Britain this week.
However, the court put the men on probation under conditions such as having to build their victim’s house within six months at their own expenses and paying him a K3,000 compensation.
Acting judge David Susame took a year off Benjamin Lazarus and Paul Sulak’s sentence and further reduced it by 11 months and 27 days for their time in custody before suspending the balance if they complied with the set conditions.
The court heard that Lazarus, of ENB-Western parentage, and Sulak, from Kandrian in West New Britain, committed the offence on Aug 5, 2017, at 3am. They were at Warapukpuk Block.
It was alleged that their victim and the complainant, Peter Rasta, had raped Isaac’s (only name available from police) wife.
The court also heard that Isaac and Tuvie (only name available from police) went to Lazarus and Sulak’s house and asked them to join in.
When Rasta saw them he went into the house and locked the door.
The four broke into the house, assaulted Rasta and set fire to the house with a gas lighter and coconut leaves. The house was completely destroyed.
Lazarus and Sulak were ordered by the court to:

  • Build the complainant’s house at their own expense within six months;
  • pay a compensation of K3,000 in equal percentage by Nov 30;
  • arrange a reconciliation ceremony with the ward members, village court magistrate, a church pastor and to be witnessed by the probation officer;
  • attend church service every Sunday;
  • keep away from alcohol and other illicit drugs and substances;
  • maintain peace and good order in the community; and,
  • Not to change address or leave ENB without the court’s permission.