Life in prison for US national

US NATIONAL Bradley Dawson was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka for murdering his wife Christe Jiao Chen on July 9, 2022 at the Turtle Island Resort.

In sentencing, Justice Riyaz Hamza said Dawson would have to serve a minimum term of 18 years before a pardon may be considered.

Defence lawyer Anil Prasad represented Dawson in court while Sheenal Swastika appeared for the State.

Justice Hamza said Dawson pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder and the ensuing trial was held over eight days in which 14 witnesses gave evidence.

At the conclusion of the evidence and having reviewed the totality of the evidence, Dawson was found guilty and convicted of murder on December 11, 2024.

Justice Hamza said it was proven during the trial that on July 9, 2022, at Turtle Island Resort, Dawson engaged in conduct which caused the death of Christe Jiao Chen. He also intended to cause Chen’s death, or he was reckless as to causing her death.

Justice Hamza said the aggravating factors were that Dawson inflicted extensive injuries to Chen which were clearly depicted in her post-mortem examination report, the photographic booklet of the crime scene and the photographic booklet of the postmortem examination, which were tendered in court by the State.

The court heard that Dawson showed utter disregard to Chen’s right to life and her personal liberty.

“Your conduct after the incident was appalling. Having inflicted serious and life-threatening injuries to the deceased you fled the scene of the crime, leaving the deceased alone and helpless in your bure. Her body was discovered several hours later,” Justice Hamza said.