A former Tongan police officer was cleared of charges that he interfered with the course of justice and of bribery connected to marijuana case evidence.

A jury of five women and two men dismissed the charges against Viliami Toki (35) in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on 14 July.

It was charged that on 31 January 2002 he interfered with the course of justice when he tried to persuade Police Officer 'Unga Fa'ao to destroy the criminal case file of a woman Leiola Fifita. At that time Leiola was awaiting trial on the charge of the possession of marijuana.

Toki was also charged that on the same day he offered to pay money to Police Officer 'Unga Fa'aoa, in consideration for him to destroy the exhibits and criminal case file of Leiola Fifita.

Counsel for the defendant, Masao Paasi in his final submission argued that there was no proof that his client interfered with the course of justice. He pointed out that Leiola Fifita had subsequently appeared in court and was found guilty, and with regards to the charge for bribery Masao said that there was no proof of any money being paid. He also queried why the police were not very active in their pursuit to investigate the person whom it was claimed that Toki had told Police officer 'Unga Fa'ao was willing to pay the bribery.

After a three-days trial the jury took about ten minutes to pass their decision of not guilty.

The hearing was presided over by Mr Justice Ford and the legal counsel for the Crown was 'Aminiasi Kefu.