Life term for murderer

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The High Court in Labasa yesterday has sentenced Lepani Temo to life in prison for murder. Temo, who denied murdering his cousin and lover Susanna Niubalavu in Taveuni last November, was convicted of murder by Justice Paul Madigan. “This was a violent and unnecessary attack on a defenceless woman who was in fear of you despite your earlier loving relationship. To reflect that horrific crime and to protect the community for some time in the future, I order that you serve a minimum term of eighteen years for this offence,” Justice Madigan said. He also noted that Temo’s lawyer had presented a comprehensive submission seeking a lenient minimum term on the grounds that Temo be reunited with his family and become a responsible member of the community again. However, Justice Madigan said Temo had shown no remorse apart from co-operating with the police. Temo has 30 days to appeal.