A former police constable has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for soliciting an advantage of $200 from an individual between October 22 and November 9, 2021, in Suva.
Adrian Joseph Mangru was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) under the Prevention of Bribery Act.
The 27-year-old married man with children had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge but changed his plea later in the proceedings.
Mangru had contacted the victim whose traffic matter he was investigating and informed him that the case was “fatal” and supported by strong evidence. He then offered to assist the victim by avoiding a 14-day remand in exchange for $200.
The court heard that when the victim was not able to provide the solicited money, Mangru was subsequently arrested, interviewed, and charged.
Mangru was remorseful of his actions and sought forgiveness; however, the prosecution sought a custodial sentence.
In his ruling yesterday, Magistrate Joseph Daurewa said he does not see any exceptional circumstance to suspend the sentence, given that the case involves a breach of trust.
Mr Daurewa found that Mangru, being a police officer in a position of significant power, abused his position, adding that there was planning involved and motivation by financial gain.
Mangru has 28 days to appeal.
