Results for sentencing

Pita Talanoa (44) was sentenced to nine-years 10-months imprisonment on three separate sets of offences concerning illicit drugs including possession of 24.43 grams methamphetamine, as well as being re-sentenced for a further drugs offence. The judge said Talanoa's offending was remorseless: “He will serve a substantial sentence, because this offending deserves it. ...the public need to be protected from his venal behaviour.”

An intoxicated driver, Tepi Angilau, is serving 10-months in prison for causing serious bodily harm to her partner at the time, who was a passenger, when she was driving under the influence of alcohol on a night out.

A fraudulent online car dealer, Filimone To‘aho (43), was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the final year suspended for eight charges of receiving a total of $243,486 by false pretences in a scam on Facebook. His victims, six women and two men, included a prince.

Two repeat offenders were jailed for charges that included cultivation of cannabis weighing 64.55 grams and possession of drugs utensils. While a co-offender received a suspended sentence, on conditions, at the Magistrate's Court in Nukunuku.

Petelo Le’ohau (33) was sentenced to 12-months in prison, with half the time suspended on conditions, for possession of illicit drugs in two set of offences, including possession of 0.33 grams of methamphetamine.

A sleep-deprived, unlicensed driver, who nodded off at the wheel after refusing to hand over the driving to another, will go to prison for reckless driving causing the death of her aunt, a passenger, who was sleeping in the back of her car when it crashed into a power pole in eastern Tongatapu.

Tupou Seluini Tahilanu (28) was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment with some part suspended for embezzlement of $47,521 from her employer, Tonga Power Ltd. in 2022.

Falakiko ‘Asisi Mafi (43) was sentenced to two-years six-months imprisonment partially suspended for reckless driving that caused the death of his wife in a road crash in 2023.

Venasio Hau (32) was sentenced to four-years and six-months imprisonment, partially suspended, for possession of 27.76 grams of methamphetamine, while his two co-accused received suspended sentences. The illicit drugs were seized after Police received information of it being sold at a residence in Ma'ufanga.