By Linny Folau
Harris Satini was sentenced to four years imprisonment on three charges that included possession of 10.64 grams of methamphetamine. His co-accused, Saia Tufui received a suspended sentence.
Justice Tupou sentenced the two men on 13 December at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.
In October, Satini was found guilty on three counts from the meth to possession of 8.04 grams of cannabis and utensils. Tufui was also found guilty on one count of possession of 0.15 grams of cannabis.
The judge stated that the offending was on Sunday, 27 August, 2023 at around 8:00pm, when police received information that Satini was selling drugs in Vaini. He was using two vehicles that was his own white land rover and a red car owned by one Afu.
The police encountered Harris attempting to reverse out of that home in Afu’s red car. Satini was immediately detained by police. He had a red bag strapped around his waist at the time. Inside the bag was one large pack containing a white substance that was weighed at 10.64g and tested positive for methamphetamine.
In addition, a body search of him uncovered in his left trouser pocket two packs of a plant substance which tested positive for cannabis and eight fifty dollar bills. In his right trouser pocked was found one smoking pipe, one lighter, among coins.
A search of the vehicle he was in when the police arrived, uncovered one smoking pipe between the front seats. During the search of his own vehicle, police also discovered one large sized pack containing shreds of plant material and a $20 bill in the compartment beside the steering wheel.
In the compartment in between the front seats was one silver weighing scale, beneath the hand brakes were 31 empty packs and in the back pouch of the front passenger seat were two smoking pipes.
The total weight of the cannabis found in Satini’s possession was 8.40g. The utensils found in his possession were; one weighing scale, two smoking pipes, one straw and 38 empty packs.
As for Tufui, he was found at Harris’s house. Nothing was found on him, after a body search. However, inside the cover of his phone was plant material weighing 0.15g and tested positive for cannabis. When he was asked about the plant material by the police he admitted it was his, stated the judge.
Previous convictions
Satini had previous convictions four of which were drug related offences. While, Tufui had one previous conviction for trespass where the penalty imposed was a reprimand.
The Crown submitted the aggravating factors against Harris was the amount of methamphetamine found in his possession, his previous related convictions, the presence of equipment demonstrating he was involved in the supply of the said drugs and breaching conditions of bail while awaiting trial.
The judge stated that Satini had also lodged a letter on 22 November submitting he was not a drug dealer.
“He informed that he was otherwise financially well off through freelancing contractual jobs in plumbing, carpentry, tiling, mechanics, engineering and sound system engineering.
Further, his wife was earning an income of USD$94,378 per annum and was an independent contractor of specialized education services earning an extra USD$12,000 to USD$15,000 per annum. For those reasons he proposed a fully suspended for a term of up to three to four years on conditions was the appropriate sentence with possibly a fine of TOP$10,000 to $15,000 within a year plus community service.”
The judge took into consideration the letters Harris and his wife submitted.
“However, Satini is a recidivist, despite that he has previously been the recipient of the courts trust and leniency, including a fully suspended sentence. While awaiting the trial of this matter he was granted bail on the condition that he was restricted to the confines of his home, a condition he suggested,” she stated.
“He breached that condition and has since been remanded in custody. To reduce or suspend any part of his sentence would be contrary to the principles and stance this court is required to take in these types of cases.”
The judge then sentenced Satini to four years imprisonment. He was also given credit for any time in custody on remand in respect of these proceedings.
Tufui, on the other hand was sentenced to one month imprisonment suspended for 12 months, on conditions. He was told that failure to comply with any of the above conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded in which case you will be required to serve this sentence.
