Tonga ‘Akau’ola was sentenced at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court to eight-years and nine-months imprisonment for the manslaughter death of Paea Lolohea in 2018.

The Court heard on November 25, 2018 the accused with another man caused the death of the victim, Paea ki Oregon he Lotu Lolohea at Ha'atafu.

The accused had repeatedly punched and kicked his head, face and abdomen and struck his head with a brick, leading to his death. 

Hon Mr Justice Cato on July 10 sentenced the accused to eight years nine months on the manslaughter.

This is to be backdated to when he was first detained in police custody.

In addition, the final 19-months of his sentence is suspended on conditions, that he does not to commit any offences punishable by imprisonment, during the period of his probation.

The accused is ordered not to take alcohol or consume illicit drugs and must undergo a course on Drug Abuse and Anger Management.

The judge warned him that failure to comply with the conditions of his suspension, may mean his return to prison to complete the remainder of his sentence.