By Linny Folau

Falakiko Uatahausi (40) is jailed for six months for possession of 1.33 grams of methamphetamine, seized on him near the Tonga Institute of Higher Education in Pahu, where he was working as a security guard.

Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced him to 12 months' imprisonment with the last six months suspended for one year on conditions, on 23 January at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa. This was after he pleaded guilty to two charges that included unlawful possession of utensils (one smoking pipe) in October last year

The court heard that he was caught red-handed near the Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE), where he was working as the security guard. He was in the driver’s seat in a vehicle parked near one of the shelters and when approached by the police, illicit drugs were found in the vehicle together with the smoking pipe.

“Methamphetamine is a scourge in the Kingdom of Tonga. It fosters crime destroys lives, places in intolerable burden on the health care service and the court must do all they can to stamp it out,” said the judge.

He noted that the defendant pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and for the last 20 years had kept out of trouble in particular drugs related defences. The last time being on 5 September 2005, when he was convicted of being an unlawful possession of illicit drugs, when a two months suspended sentence was imposed.

“Sadly you have now re-offended,” said the judge.

“I take your case starting point at 18 months' imprisonment which I reduced by six months to take account of your mitigating factors as already outlined. The second count is a less serious offence and the sentence there is six months concurrent. Although not young he has kept out of trouble for a long time,” he stated.

In addition, the report from the Probation Office concluded that he was at "high-risk" of re-offending due to his on-going association with known drug dealers and being disconnected from his family. A partly suspended sentence was recommended from the Probation Officer on conditions.

The Chief Justice sentenced him to 12 months in which he suspended six months for one year on conditions. This includes not committing any offence punishable by imprisonment and will be placed under probation for the period of his suspended sentence. He must also complete a drugs and alcohol course at the direction of the Probation Officer, during the suspension period. 

The drugs and utensils seized were ordered to be destroyed.