A 29-year-old man who has been convicted of raping a victim who was asleep at her home in Tongatapu last year, is in custody to be sentenced on October 24.

Liua Fakatava stood trial without a jury last month charged with rape and serious housebreaking. He denied the charges.

However, on October 10 after hearing the evidence Hon Mr Justice Cato found him guilty on both and remanded him in custody for sentencing.

The Crown's case said the prisoner, who was a neighbour had on this early morning entered the victim's home while she was asleep and committed this serious offence.

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