Convicted Lavulavu couple face sentencing on Friday [1]
Monday, June 28, 2021 - 18:09. Updated on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 - 09:26.
The convicted Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism ‘Akosita Lavulavu (36) and her husband ’Etuate (62) will be sentenced on Friday, July 2 at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court lists their sentencing for 10:00am.
On June 4, Hon Mr Justice Cooper found them both guilty of obtaining over $500,000 pa'anga by false pretences, relating to a number of irregularities in an audit at the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute.
They were tried and convicted on three joint counts of obtaining the money by false presentences.
They plundered TVET grant funds for themselves in a systemic fraud and an example of the worst sort of dishonesty, said the judge in his 126 page ruling.
Currently, the convicted Minister is on leave, awaiting the conclusion of her legal proceedings. She is a Member of Parliament, as a Vava'u People's Representative.
'Etuate is a former Cabinet Minister and MP.