Four Fiji Navy Officers found guilty of their charges will be sentenced at 9am next Friday.
Lt Samuela Cikaitoga, Mike Brown, Lt Ben Salacakau and Lt Saula Tuilevuka have been convicted in relation to the grounding of the naval ship, RFNS Kiro on Belcher Reef on 14th July, 2016.
President of the Court Martial, Netani Sukainivalu announced this morning that the sentences will be announced next Friday.
Judge Advocate Jiten Singh also read out the aggravating and mitigation factors this morning.
Justice Singh stated that all accused are convicted with the charge which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
He said that as a result of neglect, RFNS Kiro is no longer available, we are a vessel less and Fiji is a maritime country.
Justice Singh also highlighted that Kiro’s total loss of value isn’t known, no life was lost and no one was injured but the crew’s life was at risk.
He also stated that all the accused pleaded guilty to their charge and fully complied with the investigations.
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