By Linny Folau

The first session of Tonga's Court of Appeal for this year started today, and will include jailed former Cabinet Minister ‘Etuate Lavulavu's appeal against his conviction and sentence. 

The Appeal Court presided over by the President Lord Chief Justice Whitten in Nuku'alofa, with Justice Randerson, Justice Hansen and Justice Blanchard appearing via audio-visual link from abroad, is expected to hear over 10 appeals.

The Court lists Lavulavu's appeal for Thursday, 19 May. He is appealing against both his conviction and sentencing.

‘Etuate is a former Cabinet Minister and Vava'u People's Representative to the Legislative Assembly.

Meawhile, the appeal by his wife 'Akosita Lavulavu is not listed in this session and will, most likely, be on the next Court of Appeal session.

On July 2, 2021 'Akosita Lavulavu (37) a former Minister of Infrastructure and Vava'u People's Representative, and ’Etuate (63) were sentenced to six-years imprisonment each, on joint counts of obtaining money by false pretences, relating to a number of irregularities in an audit at the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute, which they owned and operated.