A YOUNG man, Thomas Pegoa was sentenced on Tuesday to one year and two months in prison after setting fire to his father’s house last July in Guadalcanal.
However, six months of the sentence were suspended for one year on the condition that Pegoa does not re-offend with a similar offence.
This means that he will only serve eight months in prison.
Principal Magistrate Dalcy Belapitu Oligari stated that arson is a very serious crime, comparable to taking a life away.
“A dwelling house represents an individual’s sanctuary – a place where one should feel safe and be at peace, where memories are created and cherished.
“To destroy such a place is to destroy a fundamental aspect of that person’s life,” Magistrate Oligari said.
Magistrate Oligari emphasised that Pegoa, as a young person, has a long life ahead of him and must learn to control his anger and make better choices.
She said the sentence reflects both specific and general deterrence to enable Pegoa to learn from his mistakes and see it as a turning point for his rehabilitation.
The incident occurred on 2 July 2024 when Pegoa set fire to his 65-year-old father’s house, which was constructed with bush materials, after a dispute over compensation from his brother-in-law.
The total value of the damaged house was $4,000.
The defense counsel submitted that Pegoa’s actions were motivated by his involvement in an incident concerning his brother-in-law and cousin sister as well as his discovery of his mother’s affair.
It was submitted that Pegoa’s brother-in-law owed him part of the compensation for impregnating his cousin.
However, Magistrate Oligari emphasised that these issues did not justify Pegoa’s actions and that he could have sought alternative means to address his grievances.
Defence counsel Vincent Nomae represented Pegoa, while Public Prosecutor Sabrina Habu appeared for the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
