A jury today convicted a suspended Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Justice on the count of causing the death of a woman while driving under the influence of alcohol, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

Vatulele Tuputupu of Niutoua had pleaded not guilty to two counts in the alternative of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol, and manslaughter by neglicence, in relation to the death of 'Ana Toki (47) after a road accident at Lapaha on August 1, 2011.

The court was told that he was driving under the influence of alcohol in a government car and the victim, also from Niutoua, was a passenger.

The jury in their verdict found Tuputupu guilty on the first count of causing death while driving under the influence of alcohol, which was a more serious charge that could incur 15-years imprisonment.

The Crown Prosecutor Sione Sisifa said there was no need to consider the second count of manslaughter by negligence, which was a lesser charge that could incur 10-years imprisonment.

Tuputupu was then released on bail for sentencing by Mr. Justice Charles Cato on November 1, 2013.

He was represented by Laki Niu during nearly two-weeks of trial.