Fiji Man Jailed for Grievous Harm Against Brother

A man in Fiji has been sentenced to prison for an attack on his older brother, with the High Court finding him guilty of acting with intent to cause grievous harm. Mosese Tuivutuna Saint John was initially charged with attempted murder but was acquitted of that charge due to insufficient evidence.

High Court judge Justice Riyaz Hamza stated that while the evidence did not support an attempted murder conviction, it did prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Saint John's actions were intended to cause serious injury. The incident occurred in 2024 while Saint John and his brother were living together with their parents in Lautoka.

Evidence presented during the trial included testimony from the victim, his mother Mereoni Ravua, and medical professionals from Lautoka Aspen Hospital. Dr. Farahnaaz Vebzureen Kamal examined the victim's injuries, and Surgical Registrar Dr. Mesulame Sauvolili provided further medical details. Saint John opted not to testify or present witnesses to counter the prosecution's case.

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The sentence had to reflect the harm caused, discourage similar offending and protect the community from violent acts.

Justice Hamza emphasized the need for the sentence to reflect the severity of the harm inflicted, deter similar acts of violence, and protect the community. He stressed that violence within families would not be tolerated and sent a clear message against such behavior.

Saint John received a sentence of two years and two months imprisonment. The court reduced the non-parole period, taking into account the time he had already spent in custody. He retains the right to appeal the sentence within 30 days.

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The court must also send a message that violence within families would not be excused.