Sione Matangi Malupo (35) was sentenced to two-years imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of goods, including Tongan crafts valued at around $11,600 from a home in Ma’ufanga.

Hon. Justice Tupou sentenced the accused on 14 April at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa, after he pleaded guilty to both charges.

The offending was on 18 June 2022 at around 7:00pm, when the defendant broke and entered ‘Ahongalu Lopeti's home and stole items with a total value of around $11,600 pa'anga, which included Tongan valuable mats, waist mats and electronic goods.

The judge said the defendant sold all the stolen items to Kalonihea of Ma'ufanga, except for the iPhone device, Samsung phone device, four keypad phone devices and a G-Shock wrist watch.

The Police recovered and took back the G-Shock wristwatch and one waist mat valued at $300.

The defendant of Ma'ufanga has previous convictions for similar offences.

Aggravating factors against the defendan, included his invasion of people's property and privacy making them feel unsafe in their own homes and the value of the goods stolen, including Tongan crafts of sentimental value to Tongans, stated the Crown.

The judge did not agree with the Crown that the offending was not premeditated.

“By his own admission, the defendant said he and his friends were'"peering' at what to do to get money and had no option but to commit this offence. In fact, he cared about nothing else at the time….As to the likelihood of rehabilitation, Malupo has had two previous suspended sentences, opportunities that he clearly has not taken seriously or made proper use of.

“Nonetheless, he has pleaded guilty, co-operated with the police and expressed some remorse for his actions. For that, I am prepared to suspend the final 6 months of his sentence,” said the judge.

He was then sentenced to two-years imprisonment, with the final six months suspended for two-years on conditions.

"The defendant is advised that failure to comply with any of the above conditions may result in the suspension being rescinded in which case; he may be required to serve the balance of his sentence,” the judge ordered.