A MAN who stole a mobile phone from his employer’s home while working as a security officer has received a suspended sentence on Thursday.
Lynsando Feni Daudau, also known as Kwaidorai, has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for one count of simple larceny.
Principal Magistrate Jim Seuika however suspended in full the prison term under section 44 of the Penal Code.
But he told Lynsando that being on a suspended sentence does not mean he is a free man.
“Being on a suspended sentence means you are serving your sentence outside of prison.”
He warned Lynsando not to commit any offence within the 12 months or he will be sent to serve his term in jail.
The sentence was handed down following the mitigation and sentencing submissions on Thursday in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court.
Daudau was working as a security officer at that time when he stole the mobile phone from his employer’s home at Panatina Ridge, Honiara on April 12, 2013.
The mobile phone belongs to a friend of his employer who was visiting them in their home when Daudau stole the phone.
Daudau pleaded guilty to the charge last year but was not sentenced immediately as he has to go through a trial for a separate offence.
He was acquitted of the charges of intimidation, common assault, burglary and willful and unlawful damage after the hearing in March this year.
These were in relation to an incident on April 30, 2013.
The hearing was in relation to the issue of identification.
Prosecution alleged he was one of the six men who broke into the home where Daudau was working as the security officer.
Daudau was working as a security officer on the night of the alleged incident.
Prosecution alleged Daudau was among the group of six armed men who broke into his employer’s home that night.
But at the end of the hearing the court found no evidence to prove that Daudau was one of the six armed men and therefore had him acquitted of all the charge.
The men who were involved in the burglary have never been arrested.
Daudau has been represented by Henry Kausimae of Public Solicitor’s Office, while Police Prosecutor Watson Akwai appeared for the state.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
