Magistrate Raises Concerns About Lack of Space at St Giles Hospital for Drug Rehab

Suva Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has highlighted the lack of space at Saint Giles Hospital for drug addiction treatment, following a recent case involving a 29-year-old man charged with assault.

The accused, Timoci Vuki Takubu, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm after he attacked his brother and sister on October 18th.

The incident occurred at their home in Kalekana Settlement, Lami, when Timoci became upset after failing to find his marijuana smoking equipment.

Magistrate Prasad questioned Timoci about his drug use, and he admitted to being addicted to marijuana since he was in Year 8.

Timoci also revealed that he buys the drugs from street dealers.

Magistrate Prasad expressed concern over the widespread availability of drugs on the streets and the impact it is having on families.

He said he wanted to send Timoci to a rehabilitation center but noted that Saint Giles Hospital, the only facility for drug rehab in Fiji, is currently full.

As a result, the Magistrate decided to send Timoci to the Nasinu Corrections Facility, which has a program to address drug addiction.

The Magistrate warned that Timoci’s behavior could escalate and cause serious harm to his family in the future, saying that one day he might seriously injure or even kill his siblings or father.

Timoci’s siblings told the court that they no longer want him to return home due to his repeated violent behavior.

They said they are fed up with his actions and that they do not want to forgive him. They also added that they believe Timoci should be imprisoned for his actions.

Timoci will be sentenced on November 18th.