A former policeman, Fifita Toma Tawake, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for the manslaughter of an intoxicated man following an altercation. The sentencing took place before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the Suva High Court, where Tawake was convicted of one count of manslaughter.
The incident occurred on January 13, when Tawake, while under the influence of alcohol, struck an intoxicated pedestrian who had tapped their vehicle as it slowly ran a red light on Central Street in Suva. The attack left the victim unconscious on the pavement, and Tawake showed a lack of regard for the man’s well-being, even dragging him to a nearby location and leaving him exposed in the rain.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, the court took into account that Tawake was a first-time offender, exhibited remorse for his actions, and pleaded guilty on the first day of the trial. Consequently, he received a sentence of four years and 11 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two years and 11 months.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with authority and the critical importance of respect for human life. The sentence reflects an attempt to balance justice while acknowledging the potential for rehabilitation, showing that accountability can lead to growth and change.
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