A former prominent doctor, Le Mamea Emosi Puni, has escaped jail after being convicted for one count of stealing a bull and a cow.
The crimes carry a maximum jail sentence of seven years, but Samoa's chief justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu instead ordered the Puni to pay a fine of $450 US.
The village council of Pu'apu'a has already punished Puni for the offences, who gifted the village two cattle, 50 cartons of tinned fish, a fine mat, and a voluntary payment of $1,000 US dollars.
The judge took into account the 67 year olds age and several illnesses, as well as the penalty imposed by the village council when sentencing the Puni.
He must pay the court imposed fine within a week, or risk six months in jail.
Le Mamea Emosi Puni has previously been jailed for 12 months after being convicted of indecently assaulting a female patient who was under his care.
Le Mamea Emosi Puni (centre) with family at court in Samoa, 2014. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
