A teenage driver in a hit and run accident that killed a man at Ma'ufanga will serve a sentence of 15 months imprisonment starting today, March 7.

In the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court Viliami Satisi (21) of Fangaloto pleaded guilty and was convicted of manslaughter when he hit Soane Sevele with his Nissan vehicle in the early morning of September 1, 2007.

Justice Warwick Andrew in passing sentence initially imposed on Viliami Satisi a sentence of three years imprisonment.

But after taking into consideration his guilty plea and the fact that he was truly remorseful and had apologised to the family of the deceased, Justice Warwick suspended the last 21 months of his sentence for two years from the day of release.

This means the young driver will be serving 15 months imprisonment starting today.

The incident took place at around 4-5am in the early morning of September 1, when Soane (46) was talking on the side of the road just outside the Free Church of Tonga Hall at Ma'ufanga.

Viliami, who had consumed much alcohol the previous night, drove down Salote Road in a Nissan vehicle and hit the deceased who was standing on the side of the road, then drove off.

Viliami admitted in court that he was very drunk and he had no recollection of hitting Soane, but he turned himself in to the police that week.

Soane was rushed to Vaiola Hospital by people at the scene but he died the next morning due to severe injuries to his head and lungs.