A former Turaga ni Koro in Labasa has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for taking money that his village fundraised to pay for an electrification project.

Taitusi Tikoimacuata, who was charged by FICAC with one count of fraudulent conversion, was convicted by Labasa Magistrate Ropate Cabealawa who said though the amount the accused had taken was relatively small, he still considered it to be a bad breach of trust.

Tikomacuata had in September 2006 used money belonging to his village which was fundraised by Nacereyaga Village for a Diesel Lighting Scheme which cost $56,620 for which the village was required to raise 10%.

However, they changed their mind and asked to switch to solar lighting instead, whereby Tikoimacuata requested for a refund of $4,350 and used it for himself.

Magistrate Cabealawa also doubted Tikomacuata's willingness to repay the amount taken as a genuine attempt, as it was being offered in court at a rather late stage, following conviction, some three years or so after the offence was committed.