Court officer resigns after ruling

07 October 2018, 12:00AM

Mane Junior Su’a, who pleaded guilty to the possession of utensils under the Narcotics Act, has tendered his resignation as a court officer at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. 

This was confirmed by the Ministry’s Deputy Registrar Ve'atauia Faatasi Puleiata, in response to questions from Samoa Observer. 

He said the decision to accept or deny his resignation rests with the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer. 

“However if it was up we should not accept the resignation,” said Ve'atauia. 

Last month, the District Court Judge, Fepulea’i Roma Ameperosa gave him a 12-month suspended sentence. 

During the course of the proceedings, the Judge noted that the Ministry’s building manager lost his personal cheque book and it was found that the defendant had used it to purchase goods. 

The Judge told the defendant of his admission to Court on his use of ice or methamphetamine and that he had a good level of education. 

“When further asked how you (Su’a) used the cheque book and funds in his account, you admitted having used it on ice or methamphetamine. You also told him how two of your fellow court officers were involved. Later that afternoon, you handed him an item wrapped in an A4 sheet of paper, that item was a glass pipe.”

The Judge noted that the defendant had a good level of education having attained a bachelor’s degree, while being employed by the Ministry as a court officer. 

“You (Su’a) are currently on suspension from work as a result of your offending and depending on the sentence this Court imposes. There is a real likelihood that your current employment will be terminated,” added the Judge.

07 October 2018, 12:00AM

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