Talakai Aholelei (66) – the driver of the bus which crashed in New Zealand in 2016 killing three Tongan nationals – was sentenced to 5½ months’ home detention by a New Zealand court on Wednesday. Talakai was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay $36,000 in emotional reparations. The bus was carrying 53 people, mostly members of a brass band from Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College in Vava’u – who were touring New Zealand to raise funds.

According to the Waitakere District Court, the brakes of the bus were malfunctioning as Talakai was driving the bus along a highway outside of Gisborne on the night of Christmas Eve 2016. Talakai noticed problems with the brakes but decided to continue driving. The decision proved fatal when Talakai was unable to prevent the bus from sliding sideways off of a hill. The ensuing crash resulted in the deaths of three passengers: Sione Taumalolo (11), Talita Fifita (33) and Leotisia Malakai (55).

A victim impact statement was read out by one survivor 19-year-old Tevita Lokotui – whose leg was amputated following the crash. Lokotui told the court that because of his injuries, he could not pursue his dreams of playing for the Tongan army band.

He stated, “…now that I have lost my leg, the Tongan army won’t allow me to join. I spend a lot of time in my room as I wanted to just be by myself, I know I can’t do a lot and I don’t want to meet anyone else. I do go to church but that is it.”

“I now feel sorry for what the bus driver is going through…I now don’t have any bad feelings.”

Charges have been laid against the company owning the bus, Ritchies Transport Holdings Ltd and is due to face court.