A former police officer whose court sentence was pending for sexual offence charges during his tenure in office has died with the circumstances surrounding his death under investigation. 

The former senior sergeant was recently found guilty by the Supreme Court of three sexually related offences connected to an incident that dates back to February 2021. 

The defendant was accused of sexual violation on another female officer during the time he was in charge of Fagamalo Police outpost in Februry 2021. 

He was scheduled to be sentenced on Friday last week but did not proceed after his lawyer informed the court that his client was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke delayed the sentencing. 

The Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the former officer’s death and that the police are currently investigating the curcumstances surrounding his demise. 

He added the poisonous chemical paraquat is suspected to have been involved in the death of the deceased.  

On another matter, another police Sergeant, Laauli Magic Junior Laauli appeared in Court this week to answer sexual charges against him. 

The matter was called earlier this month and adjourned to allow the prosecution to finalise their charges. 

The charges were still not finalised on Monday this week and the matter has been further adjourned to do so. 

The complainant in La’auli’s case is also another junior female police officer.