A 16-YEAR-OLD girl, who falsely claimed to have been kidnapped by unknown men, giving rise to fears over allegations of abductions in Honiara in October this year, has been discharged without a conviction and committed to the care of her mother.
The juvenile, who pleaded guilty to the charge of Spreading False Rumours, was sentenced under the Juvenile Offender’s Act (JOA).
Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa explained to the juvenile that the sentence serves as a general and specific deterrence.
The aggravating factor considered was that the defendant lied to her mother, sparking fear and concern in their community.
However, mitigating factors such as the guilty plea, being a first-time offender, remorse for her actions and her juvenile status were also taken into account.
Magistrate Pakoa told the juvenile that what she did was very serious and reminded her not to commit such offence again in the future.
The defendant was absolutely discharged with no conviction under section 35 of the Penal Code.
The matter was concluded by committing the defendant to the care of her mother, in compliance with section 16(d) of the JOA.
Magistrate Pakoa told the mother to use this sentence as a lesson for the juvenile to learn and to not commit such offence again in the future.
The defendant fabricated a story, telling her mother via mobile phone that she had been kidnapped by unknown men, causing public alarm on October 24.
An investigation revealed that she lied to her mother about the kidnapping and instead spent time drinking with friends.
The juvenile was represented by defence counsel Kevin Maelanga from the Public Solicitor’s Office, while Police Prosecutor Florence Hiroshachi appeared for the Crown.
By Assumpta Buchanan
Solomon Star, Honiara
