Another Vava’u unlawful rifle importer fined [1]
Thursday, November 4, 2021 - 16:52
Halatu’u Palei was fined $450 pa’anga or in default face one month imprisonment for unlawful importation of a .22 rifle and 1080 rounds of ammunition seized in Vava'u.
Hon Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him last month at the Supreme Court in Neiafu.
He pleaded guilty to the two counts of unlawful importation of restricted goods, namely the .22 rifle and 1080 rounds of .22 ammunition.
The judge said, he imported these items on September 26, 2019. The Customs Officers intercepted and discovered the items, which had been sent in a crate from the United States of America.
The defendant did not have an import licence for either. Accordingly, he was arrested and he cooperated with the police and admitted his offending.
Meanwhile, probation reported that he is committed to his family and his community and is highly regarded for the work he does for his church, he said.
“I judge that he made a silly mistake in committing this offence, his first. He has admitted his wrongdoing and plainly deeply regrets it. He and his family are of limited means.”
He then fined the defendant $450 pa’anga to be paid within six-months. Failure to do so will land him in prison for a month.
The gun and ammunition were forfeited.