Police officer who “borrowed” cash, acquitted of theft

A decision by a Magistrate to acquit a police officer on a theft charge, due to insufficient evidence, was upheld by the Lord Chief Justice, on June 25 at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. However, the Chief Justice suggested the case was an example in favour of amending the Criminal Offences Act, so that cases of unauthorised borrowing or temporary use fall within the definition of theft.