A 38-year-old man was acquitted on two charges of serious indecent assault on a teenager, committed in Tongatapu in 2021.

Hon. Mr Justice Niu found him not guilty on March 4 at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court. 

He also ordered the suppression of the complainants's name or anything that could identify her.

"Having considered all the evidence and the answers of the complainant outlined. I do not believe the evidence of the complainant at all," he said

“I find that the Crown has not proved that the accused committed those acts on the complainant without her consent beyond reasonable doubt.”

The accused was then acquitted of the charges.