A 62-year old man was sentenced to seven-years imprisonment for six counts of indecent assault of a minor aged 12 years old, on Tongatapu.

Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court this month, after he was convicted on the six counts for indecent assault and serious indecent assault, in a trial.

The judge issued a “no publication order” under section 119, that no detail be published that would lead to the identification of the complainant in this case. 

For offences contrary to section 125 Criminal Offences Act, where the victim is under 12- years-old, the maximum sentence is one of seven-years' imprisonment.  

As for an offence contrary to section 124 (1) (3) & (5) Criminal Offences Act, where the victim is under 15, the maximum sentence is five-years' imprisonment. 

The judge then sentenced the defendant to seven-years' imprisonment, but with the last six-months suspended for two-years on conditions.