Results for From the Courts

Siokatame Tupou continues to serve a lengthy imprisonment term for attacking and injuring two men with a machete in 2017, after the Appeal Court dismissed his appeal and said, offenders inflicting serious injury with a weapon must ordinarily expect to serve a term of imprisonment.

Sione Latu Kiteau (45) who was convicted of possession of sea cucumbers during the closed season was fined $200 pa’anga to be paid within two-months.

Viliami Latu who was convicted in the Supreme Court of fraudulently converting $1,200 pa’anga at the Ministry of Finance in Neiafu was sentenced to 60 hours of community work.

A long legal action brought by Busby Kautoke against the termination of his employment as Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, has again been referred back to a Public Service Tribunal for re-determination.

The Appeal Court has convicted a 27-year-old woman for embezzling more than $11,000 pa’anga; overturning a decision that was granted by Justice Laki Niu to discharge her without conviction last year. Loleini ‘Ala embezzled out of resentment to fund frivolous activities, staged a robbery and made a false complaint to the Police.

The distribution and use of methamphetamine in Tonga is a significant government and community concern, Tonga's Appeal Court stated in overturning a judge's decision to let a meth smoker go free without conviction. The Appeal Court convicted the meth user of possession.

All cases set down for today at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court were adjourned to April 29 including that of the Minister of Justice, Sione Vuna Fa’otusia.

A 17-year-old youth was found guilty on charges of carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 15, committed in January last year in Tongatapu.

Dr Tu’i Uata, the Minister of Trade and Economic Development is facing charges of neglecting to obey and refusal to obey the Port Master’s direction in regards to the mooring of two vessels, MV Pulupaki and MV Punalei.