By Linny Folau
Pita Lolohea is serving 18 months in prison for counts that included the theft of electronics valued at around $14,756 pa'anga and serious wilful damages of doors at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in March last year.
Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced him on 13 January at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, after Lolohea pleaded guilty to three counts on 12 November 2025 to serious housebreaking, theft of one camera, two Apple tablets, four Samsung tablets, with a total value of $14,756 and serious wilful damage, when he damaged six doors at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, valued at $2,610 on 23 March 2025, at Kolofo’ou.
The Lord Chief Justice stated that the Acting Chief Executive Officer at the time received a report that there had been a break in at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with various items stolen and numerous doors damaged.
Police executed a search warrant on Lolohea's residence in Popua, where the items were recovered.
“What is serious in this case is that you broke into a government building, damaged government property and stole assets all belonging to the government through the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Although you admitted to Officer Satini that you were the one that had broken into the building in addition to other buildings as well when you were arrested, in your interview you stated that you would only speak in Court.”
The Probation Officer assessed that the defendant was at high risk to the community and although he expressed remorse for the offending, an imprisonment sentence was recommended. Lolohea is a divorcee with children and also has children with a de facto partner.
Lord Chief Justice considered the question of suspension noting that the defendant had pleaded guilty, at the earliest opportunity and cooperated with police once he was arrested.
He said the Court has a duty alongside rehabilitation, to deter and punish such behaviour as a warning to others.
After considering a favourable letter from the Police Chaplain and Lolohea's personal circumstances the judge allowed a suspension.
The defendant was then sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months of his sentence suspended for two years, on conditions. This includes not committing any offense punishable by imprisonment; will live where directed by the Probation Office and will be placed n probation during the period of suspension.
In addition, Lolohea must undertake an Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Course with the Salvation Armty and 80 hours community service to be served within the period of his suspended sentence, within 12 months.
The defendant is now serving 18 months in prison backdated to take onto account time already served in custody.
