Tonga's Court of Appeal Court is expected to issue judgments later in the week, after concluding its first session held from May 16-20. 

However, 'Etuate Lavulavu's appeal was deferred to the next session later in the year to be held together with his wife 'Akosita. They are currently serving time in prison. 

Lavulavu's appeal was called on 20 May in court and the Appeal judges granted its deferral. 

On 2 July, 2021 former Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism ‘Akosita and ’Etuate 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.

Meanwhile, more than 10 appeals were heard during this first session of the Appeal Court. This included Lord Tu'ivakano's appeal against the dismissal of his malicious prosecution claim last year.

The Appeal Court included President Whitten presiding from Nuku'alofa with Justice Randerson, Justice Hansen and Justice White appearing via audio-visual link from abroad.