Lord Tu’iha’ateiho is expected to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 August on numerous charges incuding common assault, unlawful imprisonment and possession of unlicensed ammunition in relation to incidents earlier this year.

The accused noble is a Ha’apai Noble’s Representative member of the Tonga Legislative Assembly. His case will be mentioned at the lower court to see whether he agrees to commit his case to the Supreme Court for trial, or submit there is no case to answer.

He is charged with possession of unlicensed ammunition namely a 1x300 WIN MAG, unlawful killing of an animal (a pig), discharging a firearm within boundaries of a town, ‪trespassing into a yard with a firearm, unlawful imprisonment, common assault and public disturbance.

These charges are in relation to two incidents in April and May this year that allegedly involved arguments with neighbouring workers and a person who may be a distant relative in Ha'ateiho.

This led to complaint filed and police execcuted a search warrant at his home in Ha'ateiho where the bullet was allegedly found. He was arrested on 4 May and was released on bail the next day.

This is not the first time Lord Tu’iha’ateiho, has faced the law.

In November 2014, a Supreme Court judge found him guilty on one count of possession of a firearm without a license, namely a .22 automatic pistol.

He was fined $2,500 to be paid within two-months or in default face three-months imprisonment at his sentencing in March last year at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.