A MAN who has been sentenced to six months in prison for swearing at his father has been released at the conclusion of his court hearing yesterday.
This was because Hence Gapu, 20, has already served the six months whilst in pre-trial custody.
Gapu was convicted of one count of Domestic Violence -Psychological Abuse after he pleaded guilty to the offence.
Principal Magistrate, Elma Veenah Rizu Hilly, when sentencing Gapu said the disrespect shown by the defendant to the victim who is his biological father is uncalled for.
She said the words used by Gapu was a lewd utterance to a parent and is the filthiest thing that a child can do to the very person responsible for his existence.
“We have a strong legal, cultural, and religious system that governs our conducts in each community that we belong to, including our families,” Magistrate Hilly said.
She added that respect for parents is not only Biblical but is part of the cultural upbringing in Solomon Islands.
“The sentence that I will impose on the defendant must serve as deterrence that will discourage him from further offending and to be serious about living a life in his community as a law-abiding citizen.
“It should also serve as a general deterrence to the wider community, especially to dissuade likeminded persons, especially children, who think it is acceptable to use such obscene language to their parents.
“It is not acceptable and is wrong on so many levels.
“This court will not tolerate such a vulgarism and must therefore impose a sentence that is fitting for the offence committed,” Magistrate Hilly said.
She further added that the rehabilitation of the defendant is another important aspect that will not only help the defendant in his reintegration to his community but also the protection of the community.
“The sentence this court will impose must help the defendant to rehabilitate himself.”
A final sentence of six months imprisonment was imposed Gapu.
However, since Gapu had already been in custody for six months, Magistrate Hilly ordered that he be released at the rising of the court.
Gapu had used insulting words at his father when his father asked him why he broke their kitchen door.
The incident occurred on 28 October 2022 at their family home in West Honiara.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
