Lord Tu'ivakano had his trial tentatively set to start in September after appearing at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa on March 11.

Presided over by Lord Chief Justice O.G. Paulsen, the trial dates will be confirmed after an appeal by the Crown is heard on May 17.

The Crown is appealing against a Magistrate's ruling that discharged four bribery charges for lack of sufficient evidence.

The appeal is expected to be heard for half a day, and once a ruling is delivered, the charges against the noble would be confirmed for trial.

Lord Chief Justice Paulsen then set aside the period from late September to the end of November this year for the trial to be held.

Meawhile, another pre-trial application by the Crown seeks to hold the trial Lord Tu'ivakano together with two other people, because they are interrelated with the same evidence.

This issue will be dealt with once charges for the noble are determined, after the appeal.

Lord Tu'ivakano, who was arrested in March last year, was initially charged with numerous counts, including making a false declaration to obtain a Tongan passport and money laundering, among others. 

He remains on bail on conditions of providing two sureties and must not commit any offences during this time. The Crown had no objection that he be allowed to travel abroad.

The Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions ‘Aminiasi Kefu represented the Crown with Clive Edwards for the accused noble.