Limoni Tito Siasau (49) was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for the serious indecent assault of a 33-year-old female worker on a yacht in Vaipua, Vava'u, in 2020.

Hon Mr Justice Niu sentenced the accused on May 28, after finding him guilty in a trial at the Neiafu Supreme Court, in March this year.

After hearing all of the evidence and exhibits produced, the judge was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused committed this serious offence on February 20, 2020.

The judge considered the seriousness of the offence, the protection of the women under this law, and the damage the accused had caused to the complainant's honour and dignity to which every woman is entitled.

"You have thereby caused great indignity to her as a woman. The law says that just by doing that to her you are liable to be imprisoned for up to five-years, in order that women are protected against such acts by men like you."

In addition, the accused lied about other allegations further aggravating this offence, “and still thinks that it is the complainant who caused the damage to his reputation,” said the judge.

"You have caused great harm and damage to the good name, honour and dignity of the complainant as a woman."

He was sentenced to four-years imprisonment. However, due to being a first time offender, the final year was suspended for three-years on conditions.

The accused is now unemployed because his employer closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.