Siosateki Uikelotu Tu’itufu (19) was sentenced to life imprisonment after a jury found him guilty of murdering 18-year-old ‘Ailine Finau, whom he repeatedly assaulted with a machete in February last year.

The seven-member jury gave a unanimous verdict at around 3:30pm, at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.

Hon. Mr Justice Cato in sentencing Tu’itufu shortly after the verdict said this savage attack on this unfortunate woman was almost indescribable.

“It was an inhuman act.”

In addition, it was most un-Tongan. Women have a right to be respected and protected in this community from assault like this, said the judge.

The murder occurred at around 6:00pm on February 13, 2018 in a bush area in Fangaloto, when Tu'itufu used the machete to repeatedly assault the deceased, who sustained sustained deep incisions on parts of her head and neck.

This caused massive blood loss, which led to her death.

The Court heard that the accused and deceased were in a de-facto relationship since 2017.

Meanwhile, the victim’s mother Silia and other members of her family were in Court to hear the verdict and sentencing.

The Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions ‘Aminiasi Kefu assisted by Lute Fakatou represented the Crown.

Sifa Tu’utafaiva represented Tu’itufu during the trial by judge and jury, which began last week.

This is the third murder conviction and life imprisonment sentence imposed just this year.