Results for acquittal

Hateni Kaufusi was found not guilty of theft of a car and robbery of cash at a petrol station on Hihifo Road, after the Prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt, at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Kotoni Tafolo (17) was acquitted of possessing 0.21 grams of methamphetamine due to insufficient evidence, at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Paea Fainga’a was acquitted on two counts of serious housebreaking and theft of a car in 2019 by Hon. Mr Justice Cooper in a ruling this month, after he found the evidence of the complainant, Siaosi Vete, unconvincing.

Three men were acquitted of possession of methamphetamine, after a Supreme Court judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove the charges against them.

Saimone Vaka (36), a prisoner, was acquitted of seven counts, including three of sodomy alleged to have been committed on a 19-year-old cell mate, after a Judge found that a confession had been beaten out of him by prison officers at Hu'atolitoli.

Uilisoni Falahola was acquitted of manslaughter in the electrocution death of a man in Kolomotu'a in a verdict delivered by the Lord Chief Justice in his on June 19 at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Ma’ati Voni Lino was acquitted of reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm, after the Prosecution had no evidence to prove the charge during a trial at the Supreme Court.

A man who admitted purchasing and smoking meth, after pleading guilty to possession of illicit drugs, was discharged without conviction after a judge found he had 0.52 grams of methamphetamine left in a small bag, when police searched his trousers pocket. In acquitting Maika Maile (38) Justice Niu considered the amount of meth was “so infinitesimal”.

Sio Vaka (20) was acquitted of manslaughter in relation to the stabbing death of Lipine Fakatene (33) in January last year, after a Supreme Court judge ruled this was self-defence during a tragic altercation at Fua'amotu. “Knives and other weapons should not be carried by young men for the purpose of fighting and this case is a demonstration of the very tragic consequences that can occur when they are,” said the Judge.