A security guard working at the Tonga Higher Education Institute (TIHE) has been sentenced to jail after police discovered drugs in his possession.
Falakiko Uatahausi pleaded guilty to one count of possession of 1.33g of methamphetamine and one count of unlawful possession of utensils.
The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop sentenced him to 12 months, with the last six months being suspended.
The court was told that Uatahausi was caught red-handed while being in a vehicle parked near TIHE.
He was in the driver seat near one of the shelters, and when approached by the police, illicit drugs were found in the vehicle, together with a smoking pipe.
Mr Bishop said: “Methamphetamine is a scourge in the kingdom of Tonga. It fosters crime destroys lives, places in intolerable burden on the health care service and the court must do all they can to stamp it out”.
The Judge acknowledged Uatahausi’s decision to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity.
Mr Bishiop also noted that for the last 20 years, he has seemingly stayed clear of trouble, especially with regard to drug-related offences.
The court judgment revealed that Uatahausi has a history of possessing illicit drugs, dating back to September 5, 2005, when he was convicted of unlawful possession of illicit drugs, which resulted in a two-month suspended sentence.
“Sadly you have now re-offended”.
Announcing his sentence, Mr Bishop said: “I take your case starting point at 18 months’ imprisonment, which I reduced by six months to take account of your mitigating factors as already outlined. [12months]
“Count 2 is a less serious offence and the sentence there is six months concurrent”.
The six months suspension conditions included
a. He must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment
b. He will be placed under Probation for the period of your suspended sentence
c. He must report to the probation office within 48 hours of your release from custody
d. He must complete a drugs and alcohol course at the direction of the Probation Officer during the suspension period.
