The High Court will sentence former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho next Thursday.
The matter was called before Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, where the High Court heard the sentencing and mitigation submission from both Defence and State Counsels.
Assistant DPP, Laisani Tabuakuro asked the court for a custodial sentence and a higher tariff for Bainimarama and Qiliho while defence counsel, Devanesh Sharma asked that the Magistrates Court decision be upheld and if a conviction is entered, the court should show mercy and give a suspended sentence.
Justice Temo will sentence Bainimarama and Qiliho at 11am.
Also Justice Temo has refused the defence counsel’s recusal application and his written reasons for the refusal will be given later.
Last month, Justice Temo found Bainimarama and Qiliho guilty of the charge of attempt to pervert the course of justice and abuse of office respectively.
The matter has been adjourned to 8 May for sentencing.
