The Vava‘u Noble’s Representative to Parliament, who was fined last week after pleading guilty to firearms and ammunition charges, will retain his noble title since his sentencing was less than two years.

On February 5, Mr Justice Cato in sentencing the accused on five counts of possession of firearms and ammunition without a license, fined him $10,000 pa'anga to be paid within 14-days, and in default to serve six-months imprisonment.

The Solicitor General Sione Sisifa said today that under Clause 23 of the Constitution, a sentence would have to be 2-years imprisonment or more for a title to be taken off a convicted offender.

"Lord Tu'ilakepa still retains his title because he was not sentenced to imprisonment for 2 years or more," he said.

Meanwhile, Lord Tu’iha‘ateiho a Ha’apai Noble’s Representative to Parliament will appear in court on 27 February for sentencing submissions by counsel, for possession of a .22 semi-automatic pistol without a licence four-years ago.