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 sentenced to imprisonment today, October 21.

Siafa Nai, Kona'i Bloomfield and Vikaleti Bloomfield were found guilty of manslaughter, in a trial before Hon Mr Justice Cato in September, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

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

The judge sentenced Nai to 12 and a half-years imprisonment. While, Kona'i Bloomfield was sentenced to 11 and a half-years imprisonment. The final two-years of both sentences were suspended.

Vikaleti Bloomfield who stomped on the victim's head was sentenced to eight-years nine-months imprisonment, with the final two-years suspended.

The trio have been detained in police custody for sentencing, since being convicted of manslaughter.

Common assault

Meanwhile, a fourth accused, Tangi Tiufilusi Nai who pleaded guilty to common assault was sentenced to undergo 70-hours community service.

Similarly, Sione Bloomfield, the fifth accused who also pleaded guilty to one count of common assault was sentenced to complete 80-hours of community service.

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 the brutal assault.