A 27-year-old man who cultivated 824 plants of marijuana in Kadavu has been sentenced to 16-years imprisonment by the Suva High court in the last hour.

Arisi Kaitani was convicted of cultivating marijuana by the High court.

Judge Justice Vincent Perera says that Kaitani was involved in a large-scale cultivation.

In mitigation, Kaitani informed the court that he is a first offender, sought forgiveness and looks after his sick child who is a stroke patient as well as his elderly father.

He also noted that he has spent one year 10 months in custody.

Considering this, Justice Perera says Kaitani will now spend 14 years and two months in prison and will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years and two months of his sentence.