A 42-year-old male deportee who was convicted of sodomy and indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy at Nukunuku in Tongatapu was sentenced to five years imprisonment on September 28 at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

Justice Robert Shuster imposed the five years sentence on the sexual offender without suspension. But his sentence is under the condition that he be subjected to treatment at the Psychiatric Unit at Vaiola Hospital under the Mental Health Act.

Tevita Kahula Fotofili Niko of Nukunuku was found guilty on all three counts of sodomy, indecent assault and attempted indecent assault of a 13-year-old victim, after a two-day trial by judge alone, before Justice Shuster on August 31.

The convicted offender, who had been deported from the United States, was remanded in police custody for sentencing. He underwent psychiatric evaluation on his mental health.

Nukunuku

Crown Prosecutor Silivia 'Atiola in presenting its case told the court that the incident took place at the offender's home at Nukunuku where he lived alone.

She said at around 8pm on July 15, 2010 the young victim was walking home and the offender was standing in front of his house called out to him.

The victim told him he was going home but the offender grabbed him and forcefully gripped him, and took him into his house and forcefully convicted the indecent criminal acts. Afterwards the young boy ran to the Nukunuku police station and reported the crime.