FORMER chairman of the Citizenship Commission John Maetia Kaliuae will be sentenced on June 29 in the High Court.
The court found him guilty of nine counts of official corruption.
This was in relation to Maetia granting citizenship to 25 Asians between January and September 2003.
His co-accused former minister of Home Affairs at that time, Clement Rojumana was acquitted of the charges.
In mitigation yesterday, Maetia’s lawyer Linda McSpedden of the Public Solicitor’s office, told the court her client is a man of previous good character of the highest degree.
She said Maetia was awarded the OBE in 2000 and CBE as recently at this year during Queen’s Birthday early this month.
“He has had a career of public service and political leadership and served as a minister of government,” Ms McSpedden said.
As part of the mitigation a pastor Alfred Mania of the Seventh Day Adventist at Mamulele church, Honiara, gave evidence on the accused’s character.
He said Maetia is a chief of his community back in Malaita.
Pastor Mania said Maetia is a great man and a respected member of his church.
Ms McSpedden also asked the court to consider the seven year delay in prosecuting the case.
Public Prosecutor Rachael Olutinmayin said there is a need for public deterrence.
She said public servants should not be involving in this kind of offence and such action must not be tolerated.
Ms Olutinmayin also told the court the delay in bring the case to court is not the prosecution’s fault.
Justice Naqiolevu will deliver his sentencing on June 29.
By ASSUMPTA PIVA
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