Former Principal Accounts Officer in the Agriculture Ministry, Suliasi Sorovakatini will spend two and half years behind bars for his part in the Agriculture Scam.

Sorovakatini pleaded guilty to abuse of office and official corruption, for his part in the abuse of $990,000 tax in relation to the 2000 and 2001 Agriculture Ministry Scam.

In his ruling, High Court Judge Justice Winter said that Sorovakatini knew that what he was doing was wrong and personally gained over $113,000 through the abuse of public funds.

He highlighted that Sorovakatini authorised and signed 51 cheques for payment to Rapina Wholesalers, without following proper procedures under the guise of the Farming Assistance Scheme, which was meant for the grass root indigenous Fijians.

The Judge noted that there are some convincing mitigating factors highlighting that the 52 year old who had served in the civil service for a number of years, is genuinely a person of good character.

He added that Sorovakatini was ordained as a pastor and has shown remorse however, he stressed that the integrity of the public service is paramount to the courts and a deterrent sentence is warranted.

While sentencing Sorovakatini to a total of two and a half years, he said he sees there is no exceptional circumstances which can persuade him to suspend sentence.

Sorovakatini has been remanded in custody to be taken to Korovou Prison.