Three men who caused the death of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) by stomping on his head outside the Tali‘eva Bar in the Nuku'alofa CBD in 2019, were today found guilty of manslaughter.

The three assailants: Siafa Nai, Kona'i Bloomfield, and Vikaleti Bloomfield were found guilty of manslaughter in a trial by judge alone at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. They were detained in police custody for sentencing in October.

When Hon. Mr Justice Cato delivered his verdicts this afternoon he acquitted Siafa Nai and Kona’i Bloomfield of murder charges. However, he found them guilty on a lesser charge of manslaughter.

The Court heard, Siafa Nai had repeatedly stomped on the victim's head and neck. While, Kona'i repeatedly stomped and kicked the victim's head, causing his death.

A third accused, Vikaleti Bloomfield was convicted of manslaughter, when he stomped on the victim's head causing his death.

Common assault

Meanwhile, fourth accused, Tangi Tiufilusi Nai was acquitted of grievous bodily harm and serious causing bodily harm. He had already pleaded guilty to common assault, at the start of the trial.

Similarly, Sione Bloomfield, the fifth accused had also pleaded guilty to one count of common assault.
All men are to be sentenced on October 16. In the meantime, Siafa, Kona'i and Vikaleti were remanded in police custody for sentencing.

The trial by judge alone began on August 31 ended on September 11, with the verdicts reserved for today.

Victim from US

The victim from Puke, Tongatapu, and Portland, USA was visiting family in Tonga when the tragedy occurred on February 4, 2019.

He was fatally injured in the beatings committed by the accused at and outside the Tali‘eva Bar in broad daylight in the Nuku'alofa CBD.

The bar was showing on television the US Super Bowl Championship, when these offences occurred. Video footage and recordings were shown in court as evidence of these offences.