Come Prepared, Don’t Waste Taxpayers’ Money: Magistrate

If you do not want to stay at home during curfew hours then come prepared to pay money in court, said Suva Magistrate Waleen George.

While presiding over a curfew breach case involving a delivery man from Coca-Cola Amatil Fiji, Magistrate George said the court could not be lenient on violators.

The accused, Suliano Vasuitoga, 21, of Komave Settlement in Nabua, was found walking along Cunningham Road on Sunday night at 8:30 pm.

When he was questioned by Police, Vasuitoga said he was walking home to his wife after returning from his family home in Newtown. He pleaded guilty and asked Magistrate George not to remand him in custody. Magistrate George told him that a lot of people know the laws in place, however, were deliberately breaking them.

She said people fronting court were wasting taxpayers’ money when they receive free accommodation and free food at the remand facilities.

The accused was sentenced to pay $500 in fine within three months or face 50 days imprisonment in default.

Vasuitoga is a young and first offender. His case has been adjourned to July 22 for review.

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