Public Prosecutor v Bokoto [2025] VUSC 239; Criminal Case 2468 of 2025 (5 September 2025)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF	Criminal
THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU	Case No. 25/2468 SC/CRML
(Criminal Jurisdiction)
PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
v
BENJAMIN BULESAP BOKOTO

Date:	5 September 2025
Before:	Justice V.M. Trief
Counsel:	Public Prosecutor – Mrs B. Tamau
	Defendant – Ms C. Dehinavanua

SENTENCE

1. Mr Benjamin Bulesap Bokoto, you pleaded guilty and accepted the summary of facts relating to one charge of possession of 0.55 grams of cannabis contrary to subs. 2(62) of the Dangerous Drugs Act [CAP. 12]. You are convicted on your own plea and the admitted facts.
   
2. The maximum sentence for possession of dangerous drugs is 20 years imprisonment or a fine of VT100 million, or both.
   
3. On 12 August 2025, you were found to be in possession of this small amount of cannabis rolled in a paper behind your ear when the Police searched you at Small Tautu, Malekula. You admitted the matter immediately.
   
4. You are 29 years old. You have a 4-year old daughter and your wife is currently pregnant. You work at Stabit Construction. You have no prior convictions. You pleaded guilty at the very earliest opportunity.
   

End Sentence

5. Taking all of those matters into account, the end sentence imposed is 60 hours of community work to be completed within 12 months.
   
6. You have 14 days to appeal this sentence. The drugs are to be destroyed.
   

DATED at Lakatoro, Malekula this 5^th day of September, 2025

BY THE COURT

.................................................

Justice Viran Molisa Trief