A 30 year old man who pleaded guilty to terrorizing a Suva family in their home during an armed robbery has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Suva High Court this morning.

Elia Manoa was sentenced by Judge Justice Daniel Gounder after he pleaded guilty to robbery with violence, unlawful use of motor vehicle and aggravated robbery.

Maona committed the robbery while he was on bail on 4th September last year.

He forcefully entered the house of a Satish Chandra with a group of men after breaking the front sliding door.

He and his group were armed with pinch bar and knife.

They ransacked the house and stole valuable items valued at $1,700 before fleeing in Chandra=s vehicle.  

In another incident Manoa with two others also robbed a couple on the 13th of March this year while he was out on bail.

A 61-year old man was working as a watchman on that night.  

He was gagged with a piece of cloth after the intruders entered the compound.  

They ransacked the house and fled the scene after stealing properties and cash to a total value of $55,695.  

Only a small portion of the stolen properties have been recovered.

Judge Gounder in his judgment fixed a term of 10 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 7 years.

He said the sentence should deter him and others from committing offences of this nature.

Story by: Shalvin Deo