Three men, convicted of rape and attempted rape in separate cases that took place in Tongatapu, await sentencing at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Several offences

Faka’anaua Niutupuivaha was found guilty and convicted on five counts including three rape offences, one serious indecent assault and an attempted rape count that he committed over several years with the final offence in 2015.

The first offence was committed against the victim who was 13 at the time, while the prisoner was a few-years older.

Hon Mr Justice Cato convicted him after trial. He will be sentenced on October 20.

Nuku'alofa

The other was Saimone Vaka (34) who was convicted of rape of a victim in Nuku'alofa last year.

In this case, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen found beyond reasonable doubt the offence and remanded him in custody for sentencing on September 29.

Attempted rape

Ma’ili Vaivelata was found guilty on attempted rape of a victim who was 19-year-old at the time of the offence last year, in the Nuku’alofa area.

He will be sentenced on October 6.

The rulings of these very serious offences against these women were tried in separate trials with rulings released in August.

Names and details that may identify the victims were suppresed by the courts.

The maximum penalty for rape in Tonga is 15 years imprisonment.