THE High Court has suspended the three-year jail sentence of a man who attempted to burn down his family home while his 68-year-old father was inside.
Justice Daniel Goundar sentenced Titoko Cabobula Nasema, 29, who pleaded guilty to one count of attempted arson relating to an incident at Nadonumai Settlement, Lami, on March 21 this year.
The court heard that on this day, Nasema threatened to burn the house during an argument while both were drinking alcohol. He then poured premix fuel inside the house, sprinkled some on his father and repeatedly flicked a lighter before setting the fuel alight.
The fire began burning while his father remained inside the house, but it was extinguished before causing significant damage.
The court heard Nasema’s father had forgiven him and confirmed that since being released on bail, his son had supported him and his wife with household tasks and other assistance.
Justice Goundar noted that Nasema was the person who pulled his father out of the burning house.
