Three men were ordered by the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court to serve community work or in default serve terms of imprisonment, for seriously damaging a vehicle and unlawful possession of a .22 rifle.

Lautaimi Ma’asi, Viliami Lisiate and Kafoa Lisiate, who were sentenced last month, committed the offences on November 9, 2019 at Ha’ateiho.

The vehicle belonged to complainant, Semisi 'Asipeli (56) of Ha'ateiho.

Crown submitted that the complainant's sons drove the vehicle on a road around the bush area near the public water pump machine in Ha'ateiho.

They stopped the vehicle close to the water pump area, when they saw Lautaimi walk onto the road to block them. He was holding a stone in his hand. 

Lautaimi and the two sons started arguing on the road. At this time, the two other co-accused, arrived. Lisiate was holding a .22 rifle and pointed at the sons.

The trio then together started thrashing the vehicle, before the complainant arrived at the scene and asked them to stop damaging his vehicle.

He reported the incident to police, on the same day. The accused were then arrested, admitted to the offending.

For their sentencing, Lautaimi on serious willful damage to a motor vehicle was ordered to serve 80-hours community work or in default serve three-months imprisonment.

Viliami was sentenced on the same charge to 80-hours community work in lieu of three months imprisonment.

He was also placed on probation for six-months and must undertake a course on anger management with the Salvation Army.

Kafoa, on the other hand was ordered to serve 100-hours community work or in default go to prison for four-months, on possession of the rifle without a license.