A man was sentenced at the Supreme Court to two-years imprisonment for serious indecent assault committed on a young girl in Tongatapu.

Hon Mr Justice Niu sentenced the accused on July 21, after he pleaded guilty in June to the indecent assault and another count of unlawful imprisonment.

"Sexual offences are serious offences in Tonga, as they are elsewhere in the world, and they are more so when they are committed on young persons."

He said, section 124 of the Criminal Offences Act, provides that the offence of serious indecent assault is punishable by a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding 5-years. 

“Next to serious indecent assault is the offence of rape, which is punishable by a term of imprisonment for any period not exceeding 15-years. That is how serious a sexual offence is in Tonga,” he said.

The Court heard the accused was remorseful evident by his guilty plea. He cooperated with the Police and had apologised to the complainant.

The judge in sentencing the accused to two-years, suspended the final six-months for one-year.

“This is on condition that he does not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment during that period.”

Meanwhile, on the second count the accused was convicted and discharged.

The judge ordered the suppression of any description or information of the complainant by which her identity may be revealed.