A 20-year-old male person was sentenced to one year behind bars for striking another person with an axe in Isabel province

Visiting Magistrate to Buala court circuit recently from Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 20-year-old male person to one year imprisonment for striking a victim with an axe during a fundraising program at Sisiga village, Kokota ward, in Isabel province.

Investigation reveals to the court that the victim was on his way to the fundraising venue when the offender approached him and asked for marijuana. The victim replied that he doesn’t smoke marijuana, and the offender walked away.

When both the victim and the offender were at the fundraising venue, the offender, who held a small axe in his right hand, approached the victim and struck him on his shoulder and backside.

Buala police arrested and dealt with the suspect and charged him for assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to section 245 of the penal code, and he was convicted on the charge and served his imprisonment at Rove Correctional Facility.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Isabel Province Inspector Harry Poutz Vanosi said assault is a serious offense and carries strong penalties under the law of the Solomon Islands. This sentence sends a message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.

PPC Vanosi reminds the good people of Isabel province to respect the rule of law and resolve disputes through peaceful and lawful means. Communities in Isabel province should assist the police in upholding peace and security within the province.