A 51-year-old man was sentenced to nine-years imprisonment for rape and indecent assault of a young girl. While, a 22-year-old was jailed for two and a half-years for indecent assault.

Hon Mr Justice Cato on July 24, imposed a total sentence of nine-years imprisonment on the accused, who was found guilty on three counts of rape, indecent assault on a child and domestic violence.

There was no suspension of his sentence, which was backdated to when he was detained in Police custody.

The young accused who was convicted on one count of indecent assault on a child serves two and a half-years imprisonment.

Both men had pleaded not guilty to the charges and were tried last month at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

The judge in a verdict on June 30 convicted both on these serious sexual offences committed in Tongatapu.

The complainant's name and evidence was suppressed by the Court as well as details that might identify her.