By Linny Folau

Sione Songo’imoli (40) of Popua was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment for possession of 0.08 grams of methamphetamine. 

Hon Mr Justice Niu fully suspended the sentence on May 21, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

He was convicted as one of four people, after a joint trial. They were all arrested at the home of repeat drug offender, Pangi Puloka's at Hofoa on the night of April 19, 2019.

The methamphetamine was found in a can, which the accused was carrying as well as three ice smoking pipes and $191 cash. He has previous convictions.

The accused told the probation that his livelihood was stenciling or printing of fabric for clothes, which was unreliable and which is why he had resorted to selling illicit drugs.

The judge then required him to find an honest job to support his wife and children.

The accused re-appeared in Court earlier this month and handed the judge a written contract of employment with Takau & Sons Co. Ltd. He was to be employed as assistant foreman for two-years on a monthly salary of $1,200.

That equals to about $300 per week and it would be a reliable and regulari ncome for his family, he said.

"I am persuaded by the evidence which you have provided, namely your employment contract, that you are likely to make use of the opportunity offered by a suspension of your imprisonment sentence to rehabilitate your life to be a law abiding person also consider that you would benefit from undertaking the drug awareness course of the Salvation Army."

He was then sentenced to 18-months imprisonment but suspended for three-years, on conditions that he serves 40-hours community service, complete the drug awareness course and must offend during probation.

The money was forfeited to the Crown and Police was ordered to destroy the illicit drug.