Parramatta, New South Wales – The son of a former Fijian prime minister is set to be released from jail after serving a seven-month sentence for a violent attack on his estranged wife during a heated argument in their bedroom. The incident, which took place on December 3, 2023, resulted in Ratu Meli Bainimarama damaging his wife’s car keys and assaulting her, causing substantial bruising.
The 38-year-old scaffolder, who had a background in the Fijian army, was out on bail at the time as he faced separate domestic violence allegations. Today, Magistrate Timothy Khoo convicted Bainimarama after he admitted to pushing his wife off the bed, grabbing her by the hair, and putting his hands around her neck during the assault. The magistrate emphasized the severity of domestic violence offenses like this and stressed the importance of holding offenders accountable.
During the hearing, photographic evidence of the woman’s extensive injuries, including bruising and red marks on various parts of her body, was presented. The couple, who were still legally married but sleeping in separate bedrooms due to a deteriorating relationship, were involved in a confrontation after the woman accused Bainimarama of infidelity.
Bainimarama pleaded guilty to charges of destroying or damaging property and assault causing bodily harm, with prosecutors withdrawing a third charge of choking without consent. Despite Bainimarama’s claims of being provoked and acting in self-defense, the magistrate rejected these arguments, citing the significant strength difference between the two individuals.
The magistrate sentenced Bainimarama to a total of 10 months in prison with a non-parole period of seven months. Due to his time spent on remand since December, he is expected to be released from Silverwater prison soon. Additionally, an apprehended violence order has been issued for two years, prohibiting Bainimarama from contacting, assaulting, threatening, or residing with the victim.
Bainimarama’s defense barrister mentioned mental health issues like PTSD, but the magistrate pointed out a lack of medical evidence supporting this claim. The sentencing comes as his father, former military chief and Fijian prime minister Frank Bainimarama, serves a one-year jail term for perverting the course of justice. Support services are available for those affected by domestic violence through resources like the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT and hotlines like Lifeline and beyond blue for individuals seeking assistance.