Liufau Latu (30) was found guilty by a jury of reckless driving causing the death of his passenger Tevita Moa Taufa (27) last year in Fatai. 

He was found guilty after a trial by jury on August 27, at the Supreme Court.

The Court heard, on the night of February 27, 2019 the accused was in Nuku'alofa drinking alcohol with others. The crash occured at around 1:00 am the following morning, when they were heading home to Nukunuku on Hihifo Road. 

The victim was a front passenger in the accused vehicle. The accused  attempted to overtake a vehicle in front of him but collided with the front part of the other vehicle.

This caused his vehicle to swerve off the road and crash into a power pole leading to the victim's death in the front passenger seat.

Upon arrival at Vaiola hospital, the victim was declared dead upon arrival due to severe head injury. 

After the jury verdict, Hon Mr Justice Cato detained the accused in police custody for sentencing on September 25.