Results for From the Courts

Falakiko ‘Asisi Mafi, who was serving 12 months imprisonment for reckless driving, causing the death of his wife in a road crash in 2023, had his jail time increased by the Appeal Court, in a successful appeal by the Crown that the sentence was manifestly inadequate.

Matafonua Tupou (36) was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, fully suspended on conditions, for unlawful possession of drugs utensils, at Tu’atakilangi.

Siosaia Taulahi (20) and Tevita Pasi (21) were imprisoned for serious housebreaking, theft and receiving valuable Tongan handicrafts worth around $231,700, stolen from the Tonga National Museum in 2022. Pasi was also sentenced for supplying methamphetamine to a minor. He manipulated a child to become involved in a high value theft of significant cultural artefacts and used the allure of illicit drugs to do so. It was a “deeply offensive crime”, said the judge. “The vandalism of the museum was a terrible act.” Most of the items stolen were never recovered.

‘Etuate Lavulavu was fined $15,000 to be paid within four weeks, after he was found guilty of contempt of court, for the comments he made when he went on a program live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube and alleged bias against a trial judge. In sentencing him on 8 May, Acting Lord Chief Justice Tupou ordered that if the defendant failed to pay the fine within the appointed time, he shall be imprisoned for two weeks.

A widowed mother of seven, Mele Havea (35) received 18 months imprisonment, fully suspended, after pleading guilty to charges of impersonating a customs officer in Vava’u. The judge said it was the first case of its kind in Tonga. “If she had not been caught in time, she may have eventually been able to scam more out of the Chinese shop owners.”

Sitiveni Tukuafu (28), a first time offender, was sentenced to two-years’ imprisonment with some part suspended for three charges that included possession of 4.78 grams of methamphetamine seized at Hofoa.

‘Etuate Siaosi Katoa (32) was jailed after pleading guilty to the falsification of accounts and theft of building supplies valued at $19,644 from his employer, while working as its delivery driver.

Mosese Mafile’o Uasike (39) was sentenced on 23 April to eight months imprisonment, partially suspended, for charges, including possession of 0.99 grams of methamphetamine, in a drug bust at Kolomotu'a in September 2023. He concealed meth inside a vape.

A Crown application was granted to appeal against the sentencing of Falakiko ‘Asisi Mafi (43) on the grounds that it was manifestly inadequate for reckless driving, causing the death of his Fijian wife.