By Linny Folau

Ma’ati Voni Lino (47) was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, and discharging a firearm when he shot a dog in Nukunuku.

He was sentenced last month at the Magistrate's Court in Nukunuku on four charges that included causing a disturbance, discharging a firearm within the boundaries of a town, possession of arms without a licence and possession of ammunition without a licence.

The lower court heard that on 7 September this year, he caused the disturbance when he yelled out to another person to stop the dogs because they were prohibited or else he would shoot them on the road at the village.

He also faced a charge of discharging the firearm in the village when he shot the dog on the road, in addition to possession of the firearm and ammunition without a license when seized at a residence. He pleaded guilty to all of the counts.

The defendant had previous convictions that included common assault of a government official, theft and causing bodily harm in 2018. He was also convicted and sentenced of concealing a firearm and ammunition and was ordered to pay $1,000 within a month or face two-months imprisonment.

The Magistrate commented on the defendant's disorderly behaviour, when his yelling to stop the dogs “otherwise he will shoot them” was done on the road at the village.

“This showed that he does not respect anyone, and for everyone to do what he demands. This kind of character makes people feel unsafe in their community and should not be tolerated so it does not happen,” said the Magistrate.

In addition, the defendant's disrespectful manner and disregard was shown when he shot the dog in this village.

“It is also important and a must to have a license to possess the arm and ammunition so as to ensure the safety of one’s family and society. He should know this and the law of this country considering his age,” the judge stated.

The defendant was then sentenced to 18-months imprisonment with no suspension for possession of the firearm and ammunition without a license.

On causing disturbance, he was ordered to pay $100 within a week or face one-week imprisonment, and $300 to be paid within two-weeks or face an additional three-weeks imprisonment for discharging the firearm.