THE High Court in Lautoka sentenced 48-year-old Daniel Francis Prasad to life imprisonment yesterday for the murder of his defacto partner.
Prasad must serve a minimum of 22 years before he is eligible to apply for a pardon.
The court was told that on April 27, 2025, Prasad struck the victim repeatedly on the back of the head with a cane knife outside their Nadi home. The partner, who was in an advanced state of pregnancy, died at the scene.
Presiding judge Justice Aruna Aluthge said Prasad planned the attack overnight following suspicions of infidelity.
Before striking his partner, Prasad instructed his three children to go inside the house, later fleeing the scene with them after realising the extent of her injuries.
In mitigation the defence submitted that Prasad confessed at the earliest opportunity, cooperated with police during investigations and he was the sole breadwinner earning $700 to $800 weekly as a taxi proprietor.
Justice Aluthge highlighted the high degree of premeditation, extreme violence, and breach of trust as key aggravating factors.
Prasad has 30 days to file an appeal.
