Pahulu Manoa (38) was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for causing the death of a 48-year-old man while driving under the influence of alcohol on Vuna Road last year.

On August 3, 2018 at around 7:00pm, Manoa was driving home from work to his home in Popua.

He admitted to have been drinking wine before getting behind the wheel, and pleaded guilty to causing the death, while driving with alcohol in excess of 250 micrograms per litre of breath.

The Court heard, when he got the swimming pool he overtook two vehicles and ran over Vilitali Kiteau in front of the New Zealand High Commission residence.

The victim died at the scene of the accident.

Manoa was arrested by Tonga Police at the scene after undergoing a passive breath test confirming his alcohol level.

Hon. Mr Justice Cato in sentencing him to four-years suspended the final 18-months. His sentence was backdated to when he was remanded in custody.

The suspension is under the conditions that he is not to commit any offences punishable by imprisonment during the period of his suspension, must not consume alcohol during suspension and undertake a course on alcohol abuse.

The Court heard he had shown genuine remorse, apologized to the deceased's family and had given them around $4,000 pa’anga.

In addition, to his guilty plea he cooperated with Tonga Police in their investigation.