A man who has been breaking into houses since 2004 was told that his reappearance in court is an indication of his “lack of remorse”.
Sialaoa Seemu appeared before District Court Judge Vaepule Alo Vaemoa Va’ai yesterday morning on five counts of theft and five counts of burglary.
When he first appeared in court in relation to the matter Mr. Seemu pleaded not guilty to the charges.
But following a hearing the defendant was found guilty of the charges. Following that verdict he was instructed to appear for sentence yesterday morning.
Judge Va’ai told him that there was no mitigating factors other than that some of the stolen property had been returned to their owners.
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“It has been many years since you have began behaving in this manner,” said Judge Va’ai.
The court has also exhausted its patience giving him opportunities, the defendant was told.
Mr. Seemu was in tears during Judge Va’ai’s delivery of sentence. In the past, Mr. Seemu has pleaded for leniency from the court on his behalf of his parents, who were highly dependent on him.
He was told that this is a duty for all children – especially sons.
But Judge Va’ai pointed out to the defendant that asking for leniency for the sake of his parents didn’t make any sense.
“Since it is your very actions that brought shame on your parents,” the defendant was told.
Judge Va’ai convicted and sentenced Mr. Seemu to serve five years in prison for the five counts of theft and the five counts of burglary.
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