Teenager receives seven years for robbery

By HEZRON KISING
A JUDGE has sentenced a teenager in Lae to seven years in jail for armed robbery, saying an increase in penalties for the offence legislated six years ago does not seem to be working.
National Court judge Justice Frazier Pitpit jailed Moses Gideon, 18, from Henganofi in Eastern Highlands, after he admitted to a charge of aggravated robbery.
He stole goods and cash totalling K36,400 in January last year.
Justice Pitpit said because of public concern over the escalating law and order situation around the country, Parliament in 2013, increased the maximum penalty for aggravated robbery from life imprisonment to death.
“It is now six years since the amendment was passed and the position appears to have had very little or no impact at all as regards to the crime of robbery,” he said.
“The offence is still prevalent and committed by offenders between 15 and 25 at an alarming rate.
“Is it because people have not yet become aware of the changes to the penalty provision of this offence, or is it because the penalty is ridiculously too soft and lenient that people are not deterred from committing this offence?”
Pitpit told Gideon that he was too young and the court was concerned about his future.
He said there were good rehabilitation programmes in prisons around the country.
“(They) can help you be a good citizen during your term.
“The programmes will help you change your ways.”
Gideon and seven other men armed with guns, knives, and screw drivers robbed the KMS Trading Ltd.