AN 18-year-old repeat offender was sentenced to serve one year in prison after acting as a look-out while co-offenders stole cash and goods worth over $160,000 pa'anga from a visiting U-16 AFL team who stayed at the 'Atele hostels last December.

Tu'ahiva Vaka was sentenced by Justice Robert Shuster at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa on April 15, for abetment to housebreaking and theft of goods and cash, after admitting to the crimes.

The court was told that he stood watch outside while his other co-offenders broke into the room and stole the items.

Vaka pleaded to the judge for mercy because he wanted to change his life for the better.

But Justice Shuster said an aggravating factor against him was that he was a second time offender and the crime he committed was very serious because it involved a high value of properties.

Co-offenders

A co-offender Maamaloa Fangupo (16), who also pleaded guilty to theft and housebreaking charges, was sentenced to a three years suspended sentence on April 15.

Justice Shuster gave Fangupo a second chance to redeem his life since he was a young first time offender.

He remains under probation for three years on the condition he keeps the peace and does not re-offend. He was ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and to attend the Life Skill Awareness Course offered by the Salvation Army.

Another co-offender 'Aisake Mausia (16) who pleaded guilty to the same crimes in March, received an 18 months suspended sentence earlier this month from Justice Shuster.

The court was told that only some of the stolen items were recovered.

Justice Shuster emphasised to the young offenders in court that they only had only one chance with him.