Note: This article contains details of domestic violence, which may be distressing to some readers.
Ratu Meli Bainimarama, the son of former Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison by Parramatta Local Court for a series of domestic violence-related offences. The 38-year-old admitted to three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of choking without consent, and one count of stalking and intimidation.
The court heard that Bainimarama violently attacked his ex-girlfriend, causing serious injuries, including a ruptured eardrum. He also distributed an intimate image of the pair without her consent. The offences took place during a relationship that began in February 2022.
Magistrate Timothy Khoo delivered the sentence, which includes a non-parole period of 14 months. Bainimarama’s sentence will begin on November 8, 2024, and end on March 7, 2027, with eligibility for parole on January 7, 2026.
In addition to the prison term, Bainimarama has been placed under a two-year Community Correction Order, commencing immediately and expiring on November 26, 2026. The order requires him to avoid committing any further offences and to appear in court if summoned during this period.
This case highlights the serious consequences of domestic violence offences, with the court emphasizing the need for accountability and deterrence.
Source: fijivillage