Former Labour Permanent Secretary Brian Singh has been handed a custodial sentence of 3 years after being convicted of three counts of false pretence.

Yesterday afternoon High Court Judge Justice Sitambaram pillay Thurairaja in handing down his sentence ruled that for the first count Singh is sentenced to two years, for count 2 he is sentenced for 3 years while Singh has been sentenced to 2 years for count three, all of which were to be served concurrently which would mean that Singh would be imprisoned for only three years.

Justice Thurairaja said that he had taken into consideration the mitigating factors like Singh's medical condition as well as the length of the trial.

Apart from the jail time, Singh is to pay a fine of $2, 275 in thirty days time, however failure to do so would see his sentence extended by a year.

Brian Singh between 24th of May 2002 and 2nd August 2002, with intent to defraud, caused the government to pay the sum of $8,739 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of a business class air ticket when in fact the money was used to purchase the cheaper economy class air ticket and he pocketed the difference for his own benefit.

The second count stated that between February 2003 and 7th April 2003 with intent to defraud, Singh caused the government to pay $4,311 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of an upgrade to business class air ticket from Hunts Travel service when in fact the money was later paid out to him by Hunts Travel service after cutting its commission.
 
For count three the former Labour Permanent Secretary, with intent to defraud, caused the government to pay the sum of $9,724 by falsely pretending that the money was for the payment of a business class air ticket when in fact the money was used to purchase the cheaper economy class air ticket and he pocketed the difference for his own benefit.

The matter will be re-called on the 9th of November where Singh to show proof that he has paid the fine.


Story by: Tokasa Rainima/ Paradise Tabucala