Rex v Mafi [2012] TOSC 46; CR 96 of 2011 (13 November 2012)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TONGA
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
NUKU'ALOFA REGISTRY

CR 96 of 2011

REX

V

SAMIU MAFI

BEFORE THE HON. JUSTICE CATO

SUMMARY OF SENTENCE DELIVERED ORALLY.

The prisoner pleaded not guilty to one count of possession of cannabis (about three hundred seeds and other material)

He was found guilty of being in possession of the bag by police near the Billfish Hotel

Age 44 – separated – one young child

Operating a Kava plantation and pig farm on Eua – source of income for family

Previous offender – several previous terms of imprisonment some partly suspended for cultivation and possession of Indian hemp-substantial prison sentence imposed in 2004.

Offender said he no longer was involved with cannabis and had not been for some time – desire to reform

SENTENCE

2 years imprisonment – fully suspended on condition he commit no further crimes punishable by imprisonment for a period of three years.

Last chance warning

DATED: 13 NOVEMBER 2012

JUDGE