An 18 year old youth was lucky to escape a prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted break in and one count of breaking and entering.

Seremaia Muduraratu of Nadonumai, Lami, in March this year broke into a house in Bau sub-division in Delainavesi and stole assorted items worth over $2,300.

Upon his arrest, only $1000 worth of items were recovered.

On two other occasions, Muduraratu attempted to break into two other homes but his plan was foiled by the owners of the house.

Taking into account his young age and guilty plea and that he was a first offender, Chief Magistrate Ajmal Gulab Khan sentenced him to six months imprisonment but suspended the sentence for two years.