A disabled Tongan prince, who told the court that he fears for his life after being hit with the stand of an electric fan, has been granted a restraining order against his wife.

The Nuku'alofa Supreme Court has granted an urgent ex-parte application notice for restraining orders filed by HSH Prince Tu'ipelehake against his wife Makeleta 'Ene'io Tuku'aho.

Chief Justice Hon Anthony Ford on April 13 granted the restraining order; that the respondent, meaning 'Ene'io, restrain from approaching Tu'ipelehake within 50 meters at any time without his consent.

She was also ordered to remove her belongings from Tu'ipelehake's residence, Fatai, in Nuku'alofa. She is also restrained from entering the petitioner's Fatai residence, his working place and Parliament premises at all times.

'Ene'io was warned that failure to comply with the conditions shall be in contempt of court and liable to imprisonment.

Grounds

Tu'ipelehake applied for the urgent application for the restraining order on April 12 upon the grounds that his wife had assaulted him with the stand of an electrical fan and caused bleeding and bruising to the head, arms legs and back.

The applicant is confined to a wheelchair and is diabetic and his Fatai residence is the only residence equipped with the disability facilities.

He feared that 'Ene'io would assault him again putting his life in danger.

He also feared that she would embarrass him at work, parliament or in public.

He also did not wish for the respondent to disturb activities for the funeral of his nephew, Lord Kalaniuvalu.

Tu'ipelehake who is confined to a wheelchair, is a first cousin of King George Tupou V and is a noble's representative in the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

'Ene'io of 'Alaki, Hahake, Tongatapu, is Prince Tu'ipelehake's third wife.