Results for Nuku'alofa Supreme Court

Siosaia Tu Maile (20) was sentenced yesterday to eight-years imprisonment for the manslaughter death of Ned Cook (67), the Salvation Army Team Leader in Nuku'alofa in 2020, who was punched in the face when he was walking home from an evening out. "In that split second of senseless brutality, one life was ended and the liberty of another must now be severely curtailed," said the Chief Justice. He noted that in Tonga, some in the community tend to resort to violence to address any annoyance, no matter how small. “This case must serve to deter others from such behaviour, which will be met with severe sentences from the Courts.”

‘Epuefi Laimani who is currently serving five-years imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs, including 5.15 grams of methamphetamine, and bribery of a police officer was denied an application to appeal against his conviction, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. However, he was granted leave to appeal his sentence.

Wesley Fifita (29) who was convicted for possession of 0.04 gram of methamphetamine and 0.66 gram of cannabis at his house in Pili, received a suspended sentence. He must however, live with his parents, ordered a Supreme Court judge.

‘Opeti Fekau (38) was today sentenced to three-years four months imprisonment for possession of 21.24 grams of methamphetamine, seized at his home in Havelu. The judge found that the amount involved was clearly for the purpose of supply.

Sosaia Fifita was found guilty today of unlawful possession of 2.36 grams of methamphetamine and 3.14 grams of cannabis. He was arrested at Tofoa, after Tonga Police received information that he was driving around his car selling the illicit drugs.

Kalatoni Kaufusi (59) was sentenced to eight-months imprisonment for possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine, seized by Tonga Police who received information that he was selling the illicit drug at Fanga.

Fale’one Sitiveni Hafoka (23) was sentenced to one-year eight-months imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm to a 20-year-old victim, whom he injured with a coward's punch to the face, breaking his jaw. He underwent surgery to have his teeth removed and his jaws aligned with wire.

‘Atapani Pangi was found guilty of possessing 183.3 grams of cannabis, while co-accused Manu Huni was convicted of permitting the use of his house at Fo'ui for this offence in 2020.

Soape Ta’e’iloa Koka (52) was sentenced to two-years nine-months imprisonment for discharging a firearm with the intent to intimidate a woman, who was in her car with her 14-year-old daughter at Vaini. The judge then recommended that the defendant's gun be seized and destroyed, and that he never be allowed to hold a certificate for ammunition or firearms ever again.