A BBQ vendor, Roko Mate, who was previously sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for possessing marijuana and methamphetamine, has had his sentence overturned by the High Court in Suva. Justice Daniel Goundar’s ruling emphasized that the initial sentencing magistrate failed to take Mate’s good character into consideration, constituting a significant error in judgment.
Mate, aged 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession after being apprehended during a police patrol, where officers found 0.8 grams of marijuana and 0.074 grams of methamphetamine in his purse late at night. Following his guilty plea in January 2025, he was sentenced to a total of one year and two months, given the seven months he had already spent in remand.
In light of the overlooked factors, Justice Goundar adjusted Mate’s sentence to 15 months, meaning he will serve an additional eight months due to the time he has already spent in custody. This decision reflects a broader trend in Fiji’s legal system, where factors such as a defendant’s character are critical in determining appropriate sentences for drug-related offenses.
Similar cases from the region show a growing judicial focus on rehabilitation rather than solely punitive measures. There have been instances, such as that of Kiniviliame Nacagilevu, who received a suspended sentence for cultivating marijuana, illustrating the courts’ willingness to offer second chances to offenders with strong community ties and genuine remorse.
This case highlights an ongoing commitment within the judicial system to address drug offenses while also considering the potential for reform and reintegration into society. It is hoped that with proper support, individuals like Mate can overcome their past legal challenges and contribute positively to their families and communities moving forward.
Leave a comment