A 50-year-old father and his 22-year old daughter were acquitted of incest charges at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on August 8.

The Chief Justice Hon. Justice A. D. Ford acquitted the two accused of the charges because he was not convinced beyond reasonable doubt by the evidence presented by the Crown during the 10-day trial.

The onus of proof to prove the crime alleged beyond reasonable doubt was on the Crown's shoulder, and they failed to do so in this case.

After the Chief Justice's ruling the father and daughter of Hofoa were then free to go. The trial, which is the second incest case for this year began on July 30.

Masao Paasi represented the father, and the daughter was represented by Lesina Tonga. Sione Sisifa was the Crown Prosecutor in the trial.

The first incest case for 2007, which involved first cousins who pleaded guilty were given a suspended sentenced earlier in March.