1 Aug 2003

Fiji navy Commander convicted of drink-driving offence

11:32 am on 1 August 2003

The commander of the Fiji Navy, Commander Viliame Naupoto has been fined 100 US dollars after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Magistrate Salesi Temo has also restricted Commander Naupoto to driving only between 7.00am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday for the next six months.

His case generated controversy after officers at the Nabua police station where he was detained lost the files.

In an earlier case, magistrate Eparama Rokoika terminated proceedings against the secretary of finance, Tevita Banuve, who was charged with assaulting the government's permanent arbitrator, John Semisi.

The court was told that Banuve had reconciled with Mr Semisi.

Banuve assaulted and tried to choke Mr Semisi in a Suva social club after he awarded public servants a cost of living increase which will cost the state about 10 million US dollars.

Banuve has to find the money to pay the increase.