The Suva Magistrate’s Court has sentenced in absentia a man for stealing personal belongings and cash from another last year.
Sagar Sharma had entered a not-guilty plea to a count of aggravated robbery committed in March 2024.
Court records show the victim went to Sharma’s house after his car had two flat tires. They then hired a taxi to retrieve a spare tire and bought rum on the way back.
Back at Sharma’s house, they drank with an unidentified third man who grabbed and held the victim down and stole his silver chain, Apple mobile phone, and a wallet containing $450 cash.
Last December, Sharma was warned that if he did not appear on the trial date, the matter would proceed in his absence.
In his ruling on Monday, Magistrate Charles Ratakele said Sharma’s three-year jail term imposed would take effect once he is arrested.
The prosecution was led by Lawyers Shahil Kumar and Pooja Mishra, while Tobia Ravuniwa acted for Sharma.
