USP student on ‘date’ at Suva seawall convicted, court hears dating not an essential service
Suva Magistrate Waleen George yesterday convicted a 19-year-old University of the South Pacific student for violating social gathering orders.
Second Year Bachelor of Science student Eileen Anderson was arrested on Monday afternoon after she was found at the sea wall with another.
On that day Police who were on mobile patrol along Victoria Parade, were alerted to check on two youths at the Suva foreshore who were seen kissing and enjoying themselves.
When the Police arrived to the scene behind Suvavou House they saw the accused walking with another. They were questioned and the accused revealed that they were just sitting and enjoying themselves because they had not seen each other in a long time.
She also admitted to Police that they had been kissing and hugging each other while sitting at the sea wall. Anderson pleaded guilty to the offence, and in mitigation her lawyer asked Magistrate Waleen not to give her a conviction. Magistrate Waleen refused.
She said even though it was hard, everyone had to follow the law for the common good and she would not sympathise with people who plead ed guilty to breaching directives.
The court heard that the accused lives in Lami and had been located a long way from home, not to access essential services but to meet with a male friend.
In mitigation the accused’s lawyer submitted that she does community work.
She said she was remorseful and promised not to reoffend. The accused was fined $500 and ordered to pay within three months in default 50 days imprisonment.
She was also bailed for $500 bond and ordered not to reoffend, not to interfere with prosecution witnesses and not to change her address until the completion of her case. Her case was adjourned to July 24 for review.