A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 15-months imprisonment for serious indecent assault on a teenager which was fully suspended, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Justice Langi sentenced the accused on January 25, after he pleaded guilty to the offence, which was committed last year in Tongatapu.

The accused had no previous convictions and at the time of the offence was under the influence of alcohol.

“In this case the accused is relatively young and at the time offending had a good record.”

The judge said the accused expressed remorse for his actions, cooperated with police and entered a guilty plea at the earliest available opportunity.

"Despite the gravity of the offending, I believe he is still a good candidate for rehabilitation if he is given the opportunity to do so with a suspended sentence."

The judge then fully suspended his sentence for two-years on conditions, that he does not commit any crime punishable by imprisonment, must undertake the Salvation Army and Alcohol Awareness Program and undertake 100 hours of community service.

As requested by the Crown, the judge ordered that the identity of the complainant and her evidence must not be published.