Fate Of Freesoul Sentencing In Which Court Today

The Magistrates Court in Suva will rule on a later date whether Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) PTE Limited will be sentenced by the High Court or the Magistrates Court.

Freesoul Real Estate Development (Fiji) PTE Limited has been found guilty and convicted for two counts of undertaking unauthorised developments.

Magistrate Seini Puamau said because the Criminal Procedure Act limited her authority for sentencing the convicted company of a fine not exceeding $15,000, she could rely on Section 191 of the Act which stated that a Magistrate may transfer any charges or proceedings to the High Court for matters like this, especially in this case.

The matter has been adjourned to this afternoon (Thursday, September 30, 2021) for further directions.