Ma’ata Pouono (46) was sentenced today to one-year six-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended for possession of methamphetamine and bribery of a police officer, at Lapaha in 2018.

She was found guilty by Hon Mr Justice Niu on possession of two packs (0.18 gram of methamphetamine) and bribery, after a trial in May this year at the Supreme Court.

On May 17, 2018, Police seized the methamphetamine hidden inside a diaper in a rubbish bag at the accused's home, as well as $1,366 cash found in her wallet.

The accused kept the rubbish bag inside her house by the back door. The Police was told by an informer that the accused was selling methamphetamine at her home, and where she hid the illicit drug and the police found it there. 

On the second offence, the accused told police officers they could keep the money found in her wallet and to let her go home to her children. This was during her transportation to the Central Police station to be charged for possession.

The judge said from the Probation Report, the accused was 18 when she met her husband Tomu and they had three daughters, before getting married.

She then had 11 children thereafter, with the youngest born in September 2019. They now have nine children living with them at home.

Her husband and eldest son (20) is now farming and the accused assists by selling items at the 'fair' on Saturdays sent from her daughter in New Zealand.

The probation officer saw the crops and the items at home ready for sale. While, the town officer is said to have been impressed by the change, which the accused and her husband have made in their lives for the better.

“Even the school teachers commended the progress of their children at school, one of whom represented the school in the national abacus competition. Your Church Bishop has also been impressed with the good change in both their lives,” said the judge.

"I have to trust you will continue to do that with them all. You have shown rehabilitation that I can trust."

He then suspended the whole sentence for two-years, on condition that she does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment, during the period of suspension.