Tevita Tu’i Uata, a former Minister of Trade, was found not guilty at the Fasi Magistrate's Court on charges of neglecting to obey and refusal to obey the Nuku'alofa Port Master’s direction, regarding the mooring of the MV Pulupaki.

The charge was based on his alleged non-compliance with directions of the Port Master dated June 13 and June 15, 2018.

The case was that the vessel was moved and moored by the defendant at a location in Faua Wharf, after being directed not to. Ports had also directed him to move the vessel to Pangaimotu but did not comply.

The Fasi Magistrate in a judgment in April found that the Prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the charges against the defendant.

The Prosecution submitted that the defendant was the owner of this vessel. However, it failed to provide primary evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt, that he was in fact the owner (during this period) on June 13, 2018.

In addition, Prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that a letter dated June 6, 2018 (direction of the Ports Master) was received by the defendant, resulting in his refusal.

The only evidence was that this letter was received by his secretary. These were the reasons, among others resulting in his acquittal.

Meanwhile, in March the defendant's brother 'Etuate, who was similarly charged in this case, was revealed to have been already discharged, at the lower court.