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Republic v Reetan [2010] KIHC 95; CRC 25 of 2010 (18 October 2010)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KIRIBATI
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Held at Betio
Republic of Kiribati

High Court Criminal Case 25 of 2010

THE REPUBLIC

V

BAKATI REETAN

For the Republic: Ms Tewia Tawita
For the Accused: Ms Maere Kirata

Date of Hearing: 18 October 2010

SENTENCE

Bakati Reetan: you have pleaded guilty to rape. Very early on Sunday morning 29 November 2009 the victim and her boy friend Tekirimwaru were walking along the road to Temakin after having been at the Midtown Bar. Near the SDA compound a group of young men of whom you were one attacked the victim and Tekirimwaru. You went for them from behind and attacked Tekirimwaru: beat him up until he fainted. You punched the victim, nearly strangled her, blocked her mouth and dragged her to the ocean side. You forced her, through fear, to have intercourse with her. After you climaxed you took her back to the main road where you were found by the Police.

You are 24 years old and the victim 22. You committed a very serious crime, rape accompanied with violence. The only thing in your favour is that you pleaded guilty. Against you is that you have previous convictions of which two are of a sexual nature, indecent assault in 2008 and attempted rape last June for which you are serving a sentence of four years' imprisonment.

I take into account all that Ms Kirata put on your behalf especially the hardship to your family as you have been the one with a paid job. Yet what you did was so seriously wrong that you must serve a substantial sentence. You are sentenced to seven years' imprisonment to date from your release on the sentence you are already serving.

Dated the 19th day of October 2010

THE HON ROBIN MILLHOUSE QC
Chief Justice