A 23-YEAR-OLD man who robbed a taxi driver and rendered him unconscious during an attack in Cunningham, Suva has been sentenced to 22 months imprisonment.
Eparama Turaganivalu was sentenced by Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne earlier this month after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated robbery.
The court heard that on March 5 this year, Turaganivalu and two others hired a taxi driven by a 67-year-old man and asked to be taken to Cunningham.
When they arrived at the destination, Turaganivalu locked his forearm around the driver’s neck, causing him to lose consciousness.
The offenders then stole the victim’s $500 mobile phone and $100 cash before fleeing the scene.
Magistrate Somaratne said taxidrivers provided an important public service and were often the only transport option available at night.
“It is common for them to be subjected to violence and robberies, and they must be afforded protection,” he ruled.
The magistrate added that deterrent sentences were necessary for offenders who targeted taxidrivers, regardless of their youth or previous good character.
