The Suva Magistrate Court has sentenced Jone Vakarisi to a three-month non-custodial term, which will be suspended for two years, following his guilty plea to drug possession and damaging a police uniform. Magistrate Joseph Daurewa delivered the ruling this morning, with the charges stemming from incidents that occurred earlier in 2023.
The 36-year-old was found to be unlawfully in possession of 15.2 grams of marijuana and was also charged with damaging a police uniform. These charges arose during an incident at the cellblock of the Suva Courthouse while Vakarisi was in remand. According to reports, a police officer observed him receiving a suspicious brown package from his brother, and when the officer approached to conduct a search, Vakarisi resisted compliance. Subsequent searches revealed that the package contained dried leaves wrapped in plastic.
In his defense, Vakarisi explained that he unintentionally damaged a button on the officer’s uniform while being restrained after the officer pepper-sprayed him in the eyes. He expressed his willingness to compensate for the damages incurred.
Magistrate Daurewa emphasized the importance of Vakarisi staying out of trouble during the suspension period, and he also directed the police to destroy the confiscated drugs within the next 28 days. Vakarisi has the opportunity to appeal the sentence within a 28-day window.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s approach toward drug-related offenses while also considering mitigating circumstances. The court’s decision to impose a non-custodial sentence reflects a trend towards rehabilitation and deterrence rather than imprisonment, allowing Vakarisi a chance to make positive changes in his life moving forward.
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