Lord Lasike

An appeal by Lord Lasike against his conviction on illegal possession of ammunitions without a license was heard today at Tonga's second Court of Appeal session and a judgement will be delivered on Friday, October 12.

The former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was represented in court by Dr Rodney Harrison of New Zealand, while the Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu assisted by Sione Sisifa acted for the Crown. Both parties made oral submissions to the court ending this afternoon.

On July 9, Chief Justice Michael Scott convicted the former Speaker on the indictable offence of illegal possession of two .22 ammunitions without a license, after a day and a half of trial by judge alone in July. He was fined $500 pa'anga at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

A week later King Tupou VI revoked him as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and he lost his seat in parliament, as a consequence of his conviction.

Nine cases were listed to be heard during this Appeal Court session and judgements are expected in open court on October 12.

The Court of Appeal judges are Mr Justice Peter Salmon, Mr Justice Michael Moore and Mr Justice Ken Handley.

Lord Lasike was present in court today.