Tavenisa Raceva coming out of the High Court

A 40-year-old mother initially charged with murder has been found guilty of a less charge of infanticide by the Suva High court in the last hour.

Judge Justice Salesi Temo overturned the opinion of the three high court assessors who had found her guilty of one count of murder.

Justice Temo acquitted her of murder.

Tavenisa Raceva committed the offense on 9th March 2017 in Navua.

The court heard that Raceva gave birth to her newborn baby and suffocated him.

She admitted committing the offense in her caution interview.

Justice Temo highlighted that Raceva earned $100 a week, was supporting her elderly mother and was looking after three young children.

Tavenisa Raceva hugs her lawyer after her court appearance.

She had informed the court that she did not want the newborn child to grow up in a poverty-stricken family.

Justice Temo says that she was also constantly being abused by her family and had no support.

The High court Judge said that she was not in the right state of mind.

The court heard that she has given her two children for adoption and is looking after her 11-year-old child and 82-year-old mother.

Raceva will be sentenced tomorrow morning.