A FIGHT over a toddy bucket on Rabi Island ended with a 25-year-old man punching another man repeatedly, resulting in his death.
This led to his sentence of life imprisonment by the High Court in Labasa.
Acting puisne Judge Penijamini Lomaloma told Birirake Bere, that he would serve a minimum term of eight years, eight months, and three weeks before a pardon may be considered.
The court heard that on October of 2024, Bere and the victim were drinking alcohol when an argument broke out.
The victim had earlier argued with his father before turning to Bere, whom he accused of hiding a bucket of toddy.
He then picked up two large stones and approached Bere, swearing before swinging at him with one of the stones.
Bere told the court he feared for his safety and punched the man who fell to the ground.
However, the court heard that Bere continued punching him for about 10 to 15 minutes until he was stopped by his aunt.
Justice Lomaloma found that Bere initially acted in self-defence, but his response became disproportionate after the victim was on the ground and no longer posed a threat.
A post mortem examination found widespread injuries to the victim’s skull and brain, with the cause of death being severe intracranial haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma.
