By Linny Folau
‘Aminiasi Fonua Liku will spend two and a half years behind bars for breaking into the home of an elderly woman in Nukunuku and stealing goods worth $16,490 — including valuable Tongan handicrafts.
Lord Chief Justice Bishop sentenced him on 5 February at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa after he pleaded guilty to two counts of serious housebreaking. The court heard that on 19 July 2025, he entered the residence of Melenaite Taukolo as a trespasser.
He also admitted to stealing a range of items including ngatu (tapa), mobile phones, a speaker, cologne, lotions and earrings, among others. The total value of the stolen goods was $16,490.
In sentencing remarks, the Lord Chief Justice referred to the victim impact report.
"A victim impact report was also included where I am told that the complainant who is an elderly woman residing in Nukunuku, holds no ill will towards you for what you have done. Not only that, you and your family have visited her twice to apologise for the offending, and she has also given you advice on changing your ways."
For the first count, the court adopted a starting point of four years’ imprisonment, reduced by 12 months for his guilty plea and cooperation with police, resulting in three years’ imprisonment.
On the second count, a starting point of 20 months was imposed and reduced by six months for mitigation, resulting in 14 months’ imprisonment to be served concurrently with the first count.
The judge also considered submissions from the Crown, the pre-sentence report and mitigation filed by defence counsel, noting that each case must be decided on its own facts.
The defendant has numerous previous convictions for similar offending. The court found that despite these convictions, he had not learned his lesson and that prospects for rehabilitation were slim.
“I remind myself that the court has a duty to deter and denunciate such behaviour from society as it is continuing to become increasingly common here in Tonga, violating the safety and privacy of ordinary citizens."
The Probation Officer assessed him as being at high risk of re-offending due to his previous convictions, lack of good character and limited connection to the community. A partly suspended sentence was recommended on conditions.
In mitigation, defence submissions stated that he is now a member of the youth group of his church, is young with a young family, and is remorseful for his actions. The court also received letters from the Nukunuku Town Officer and a Reverend from his church.
The complainant has forgiven him and wished him well. All stolen items were fully recovered and returned.
Taking these factors into account, the Lord Chief Justice suspended the final six months of the sentence for two years on conditions.
He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with the last six months suspended for two years. He will serve two and a half years in prison.
Conditions of the suspended sentence require that upon release he must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment, will be placed on probation for two years, and must complete courses on alcohol and drug awareness, as well as life skills training with the Salvation Army, as directed by the Probation Office.
