By Linny Folau

‘Opeti Fekau (38) was today sentenced to three-years four months imprisonment for possession of 21.24 grams of methamphetamine, seized at his home in Havelu.

Lord Chief Justice Whitten QC sentenced him, after he pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing 0.94 grams, 3.73 grams, 0.28 grams, 0.91 grams and 15.38 grams of methamphetamine.

On December 3, 2020 Police received information that drugs were being sold at the defendant’s residence in Havelu.

When the police arrived, the defendant was seen running inside the house and was intercepted. Police searched the property and found numerous packs of methamphetamines, other empty packs, test tubes, straws, weighing scales, $438 in cash and books with records of weights.  

The defendant partially co-operated with police by admitting to ownership of the items found inside the house, and that included ‘ice’, but he denied any knowledge of drugs found outside the house. When later questioned by police, the defendant chose to remain silent.

The total weight of methamphetamine was 21.24 grams.

The Lord Chief Justice said, having regard to the seriousness of the offending, the amount involved, that it was clearly for the purpose of supply.

"I also confess to a certain degree of skepticism in relation to the accounts of the defendant’s reform and remorse. All too often, the Courts are presented with similar claims by those, particularly drug addicts, who have been caught out, who never sought to change their ways prior to being caught, and who are versed in invoking the visages of rehabilitation prior to sentencing such as expressions of remorse, returns to the church, obtaining gainful employment and, as here, conceiving yet another child at or about the time of the offending or while on bail for it."

In addition, he said the defendant’s criminal history did not engender confidence that his recent and apparent transformation was likely to be permanent.

“He has demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the law and the opportunities he was offered. If, since his arrest on the instant offences, he has in fact determined to change, then that commitment may be supported and confirmed through rehabilitative courses within prison and will hopefully continue upon his release,” he said.

In those circumstances, the Chief Justice was not satisfied that any suspension of the sentences was justified.

He sentenced the defendant to three-years and four-months imprisonment.

"I direct that, if possible the defendant be permitted to attend alcohol and drugs awareness courses while in prison as conducted by Rev. Semisi Kava and the Free Wesleyan Church Lifeline and Crisis Centre," the judge said.