Matangi Fetu’u’aho (36) was jailed for 20-months for possession of drug utensils together with the activation of his 11-months suspended sentence, at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Hon. Mr Justice Cooper sentenced him to nine-months imprisonment for possession of drug utensils on 23 May, after being convicted in a trial.

The judge also added 11-months of a suspended sentence, after activating it to be served in fully. That sentence will take place first and then the term for the latest offence must be served consecutively.

"Given that he keeps offending and is involved in illicit drugs, as well as so shortly after his last conviction, I have no choice but to say that none of his sentence shall be suspended."

The offending of the case was on 25 March 2022, at his home in Te'ekiu, when the defendant possessed utensils of two make-shift bongs, seven empty plastic bags and one straw, being articles capable of being used for the use and supply of illicit drugs.

The court was told he is a repeat offender for various offences from thefts, possession of cannabis and utensils.

The Crown submitted several factors they argued were aggravating.

"Truly, the only real one is that he has offended being involved with illicit drugs so shortly after the imposition of a sentence imposed for illicit drugs." said the Judge.

There were no mitigating features.

The considerations advanced were whether the defendant was young, of previous good character, or had passed long time without offending; whether the defendant would take the opportunity to rehabilitate.

The judge ordered the defendant that while serving his sentence, he must undertake a drug rehabilitation program.

All illicit drugs and paraphernalia are to be forfeited and destroyed, including cash of $1,500 seized by police.

The defendant is now serving a total of 20-months' imprisonment.