A former accounts clerk with the FICAC who had pleaded guilty to stealing over $15,000, was today spared a jail sentence as she has a two month old baby to look after.

Marica Rokotavaga was charged with a total of 37 counts of Forgery, Uttering Forged Document and Obtaining Money by False Pretense. Rokotavaga had on several occasions between October 2009 and February 2010 forged cheques and obtained the money from the FICAC Operating Account.

Suva Magistrate Thushara Rajasinghe while handing down the sentence stressed that Rokotavaga not only breached the trust of her employer but the public at large and thereby also causing harm to the public confidence in the government institution.

He said the sentence must also serve as a deterrent to others who are hindering the work of the state in ridding the society of such crimes and that it was not an act of opportunity.

However, Magistrate Rajasinghe took into account that Rokotavaga is only 24 years old, she is supporting her in-laws and has a two month old baby. He also stated that Rokotavaga would have graduated from USP next year and that because of her acts, it would be difficult for her to find employment.

Magistrate Rajasinghe also said that the prison environment would not be conducive brining up her two month old baby, who needs to be with the mother.

He sentenced Rokotavaga to 22 months imprisonment, but suspended it for three years.


Story by: Roneel Lal