A 28-YEAR-OLD serial burglar who broke into the Lakeba Post Office, stole thousands of dollars, and set the building on fire has been jailed for four years.
Karisitiana Kautapola was sentenced by Justice Dane Tuiqereqere in Suva earlier this month after pleading guilty to a count each of aggravated burglary, theft, and arson.
The court heard that on August 16 last year, Kautapola and a co-accused broke into the post office after drinking homebrew. He stole cigarettes, lighters, and a safe containing $3533.87 in cash and other items. Before fleeing, Kautapola lit two fires inside, claiming he needed light to see but the postmaster managed to extinguish the fire before major damage occurred.
Justice Tuiqereqere noted Kautapola’s criminal history, which included seven previous convictions, mostly for burglary and theft and three prior prison terms.
Kautapola will be eligible for parole after serving two years and eight months of his head sentence.
