By SHEIK DEAN

An American national has been fined $1000 after pleading guilty to one count of bribery and one count of being in possession of firearms without a licence.

Sonny David Bernard Blake appeared at the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday and was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment suspended for five years.

He was charged with one count of bribery of public official contrary to Section 134 (1) (a) (i) of Crimes Decree No.44 of 2009.

Blake was also charged with one count of being found in possession of arms and ammunition without a licence contrary to Section 4 and 53 (1) of Arms and Ammunitions Act, 2003.

He is alleged to have offered a bribe of US$40 to a Customs officer at the Nadi International Airport after being found in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Full details in Tuesday’s Fiji Sun newspaper.

Sonny David Bernard Blake (right) with lawyer Alofa Seruvatu outside the Nadi Magistrates Court yesterday. Photo SHEIK DEAN.