THE Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly Lord Lasike appeared on April 19 for one day of Preliminary Inquiry at the Magistrate's Court on three charges, including possession of an unlawful arm without a license, importation of an arm without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The inquiry was held before Magistrate Salesi Mafi at the Magistrate's Court at Fasi where Lord Lasike was present and represented by counsel Mana Kaufusi.

Crown Prosecutor Sione Sisifa called six witnesses while the defence called none. The defendant Lord Lasike did not give evidence.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, the case was adjourned to May 17 when the Magistrate will decide whether there is a case to answer. In the meantime both counsels are to submit their final written submissions in the next two weeks.

If the Magistrate finds that there is a case to answer, the case will be submitted to the Supreme Court for trial.

Charges

The Crown said the first two charges of possession and importation of an unlawful arm without a license related to a 9mm semi automatic pistol seized by soldiers from Sione Tu'ifua on June 26, 2010. Tu'ifua is employed by Lord Lasike at his motel, Sandy Boyz, in central Nuku'alofa.

A third count of unlawful possession of ammunition related to two .22 rifle bullets that were found by police on June 28, 2010 during a search warrant conducted at a room said to have been occupied by Lord Lasike at his motel.

Evidence

Police Sergeant Lavaki in his evidence today, told the court that following the seizure of the gun from Tu'ifua, the police executed a search warrant at the Sandy Boyz Motel on June 28, 2010. Police officers found two .22 rifle bullet and a black tactical pistol bag from a room occupied by the noble at the motel.

Sione Tu'ifua who gave evidence in court said on June 26, 2010 he was cleaning the rooms at the motel and found the pistol under a bed in a room that was previously occupied by foreign guests.

He said that he took it to his friend later that evening, and it accidentally went off as they were drinking at the waterfront along Sopu. He said the soldiers caught them and because he was afraid he told them the pistol belonged to Lord Lasike. He then told the court today, that Lasike had no knowledge of the pistol.

Illegal

Evidence by Kulisi Tomu from the Police Firearms said on July 2, 2010 he studied the 9mm semi automatic pistol and confirmed this was an illegal weapon in Tonga.

He said in regards to the two .22 bullets seized from the motel, there was no such license of such ammunition under Lasike.

He also added from his experience in firearms, the tactical purse found by police at the motel fitted the 9mm gun well.