A MAN found guilty of committing burglary during last year's floods was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka last week.
But the court ordered that six months be served immediately and the balance of 24 months be suspended for three years.
Sairusi Nauma was convicted along with three others on one count of aggravated burglary and one count of theft punishable under Section 313 of the Crimes Decree.
High Court judge Justice Sithambarampillai Thurairaja said the seriousness of Nauma's offences were taken in context that the country was experiencing floods and a state of natural disaster had been declared at the time.
Justice Thurairaja said despite this he had also taken into consideration the fact that Nauma was a first offender, had pleaded guilty and surrendered to police.
He said the fact that $15,230 worth of goods out of the $16,380 was recovered and that Nauma claimed to be taking care of his parents was also considered.
He sentenced Nauma to 30 months, taking into account the 11 months served in remand.
Justice Thurairaja ordered that six months be served immediately and the balance of 24 months be suspended for three years.