The Suva Magistrates Court has sentenced former Fijian Holdings Limited Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Fareed to eight months and 22 days in prison after finding him guilty of two counts of indecent assault arising from separate incidents.

Seven months of the sentence have been suspended for three years, while the 36 days Fareed spent in remand have been taken into account. Delivering the sentence, Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola said Fareed’s conduct was unacceptable, despite him being a first-time offender.

The case dates back to 2019, when Fareed was accused of indecently assaulting a female subordinate on separate occasions.

The matter was initially filed with three counts, with two allegations involving the same complainant and the third involving another complainant.

Fareed was ultimately convicted on two counts relating to the first complainant and he has been given 30 days to appeal the sentence.

BY: LITIA RABUA