Two juveniles have been handed suspended sentences for burglary and theft.
The teenagers, both 16 at the time of the offences, pleaded guilty. to the charges
The court proceeded with sentencing in absentia after the teenagers, represented by a Legal Aid Commission lawyer, failed to appear after entering guilty pleas.
The court heard that on August 18 two years ago, a 72-year-old retiree and his 69-year-old wife left their home at Savalau in Votualevu, Nadi, to report a stolen mobile phone at the Sabeto Police Station.
When they returned, they discovered the back kitchen door had been forced open. They noticed that cash was missing along with $250 worth of clothes.
Judge Aruna Aluthge noted that while burglaries were on the rise and required deterrent punishments, young, first-time offenders should be given a chance to rehabilitate.
She suspended their one-year terms for three years.
They will be put on probation under the supervision of a welfare officer during suspension.