The Suva Magistrates Court has sentenced former Department of Town and Country Planning employee, Courtney Suka Rakokoti, to three years and six months’ imprisonment,
with a non-parole period of two years, for corruption-related offences.
Ms. Rakokoti, who appeared before Magistrate Vinaina Diroiroi today, was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC)
with two counts of Obtaining Financial Advantage and one count of Causing a Loss.
Between 1 January and 31 August 2017, Ms. Rakokoti received payments from customers for various fees and
services but failed to deposit the funds, obtaining a financial advantage of $14,723.90.
She also failed to deposit cheque payments totalling $13,597.10 and altered two receipts valued at $254.80 and $304.25 to gain further benefit.
In sentencing, Magistrate Diroiroi noted Ms. Rakokoti’s guilty plea and granted remission for time saved.
She will serve three years in prison and will be ineligible for parole for two years.
Ms. Rakokoti has 28 days to appeal to the High Court.
Ms. Rakokoti was represented by the Legal Aid Commission, while FICAC Counsel.
Mr. Joshua Prasad appeared on behalf of the State.