The sentencing of former iTaukei Land Trust Board senior research officer Josaia Waqairatu has been stayed following an order by the High Court in Suva.
Waqairatu was convicted earlier this month on two counts of bribery after the Suva Magistrates Court found he solicited a $450 advantage between September 1 and December 31, 2019, as an inducement for performing his duties as a public servant.
His lawyer, Simione Valenitabua, informed the Magistrate Joseph Daurewa today that Justice Dane Tuiqereqere had granted a stay of the sentencing pending the determination of Waqairatu’s constitutional redress matter.
The constitutional redress proceedings have been adjourned to September 30. The Magistrates Court will rehear the matter at 2.30pm today.
