‘Aleki Filikitonga (26) was sentenced to one-year six-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended, for theft of $28,000 pa’anga from the Tonga Development Bank branch in 'Eua.

Hon. Mr Justice Niu during sentencing on June 10, said the accused who pleaded guilty was an Acting Manager, when he committed the theft from between January 15-29, 2019.

The Court heard, he was made Acting Manager when the Manager was away for some two-weeks, when he took this money. His theft was discovered in a cash count conducted by officers from the bank's head office.

The sum taken was substantial and he used $10,000 to repay a loan he had taken from a friend, and the rest spent on personal matters and on some church activities.

“What is of concern is that you abused the trust, which the bank placed on you. That makes your offence more serious,” said the judge.

Breach of trust

The Probation Officer in his report stated the accused who is married to a nurse was now farming for his livelihood.

The couple also runs a food canteen for the schools in 'Eua, in addition to their own farming activities, which includes kava plants. They make about a $1,000 in each fortnight.

At the same time, the bank manager in 'Eua confirmed that he had already paid back all of the $28,000.

"I have to say that is a remarkable achievement. He does not say how you have done that but you must have attained a position of responsibility and trust, despite the serious offence, which you have committed to be able to raise and pay such a large sum in your present circumstances."

“However, the fact that you were in a position of trust when you committed the offence, and despite your repentance, guilty plea and repayment of the money, your crime still deserves a sentence befitting it's seriousness,” said the judge.

The accused was then sentenced to one-year six-months imprisonment but fully suspended for two-years, on conditions that he does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment within those two-years.

The judge warned the accused if he commits any offence punishable by imprisonment within the said two-years, he will be ordered to serve the suspended sentence in full.