A suspended Police officer, who has pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, as asked the Court to discharge him without conviction. 

Shrikrishna Schwenke has already entered a guilty plea to unlawful possession of firearm namely a pistol revolver and possession of unlawful ammunition. 

He appeared in the District Court on Friday for a hearing of his application for a discharge without conviction.

It did not proceed after the prosecution failed to file a response to issues raised by defense lawyer on mitigating factors. 

Schwenke's lawyer, Mauga Precious Chang, questioned the prosecution’s delay in filing a response to the issues raised. Mauga said the matter has been deferred three times and prosecution has been given multiple opportunities to provide a response.

Furthermore, she asked the Court if the matter can be adjourned for final adjournment and for prosecution to file a response early so the defense can submit their reply.

Prosecutor and Attorney General’s office lawyer, Iliganoa Atoa, noted the concerns from Mauga.

She told the Court the prosecution strongly opposes the application for a discharge without conviction. She added prosecution will file a response to the issues raised by next week. 

District Court Judge, Leota Raymond Schuster, adjourned the matter to Friday next week. 

He ordered for prosecution to file a response by Wednesday next week.

Judge Leota pointed out should prosecution fail to respond to the matter by then it will be taken to be conceded.

The defendant – who works for the Transnational Crimes Unit – was suspended in September together with Inspector Ituau Ale. 

Inspector Ale has not made any appearance in Court. 

It could not be confirmed by press time what has become of an investigation into Inspector Ale.