A Nuku'alofa magistrate has committed the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Tu’iha’ateiho for trial at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa, on a charge of possession of a firearm without a license.

Lord Tu’iha’ateiho is expected to appear on October 28, 2013 for arraignment at the Supreme Court.

Magistrate Salesi Mafi on September 30 ruled there is sufficient evidence and committed the case for trial at the Supreme Court.

The Deputy Speaker had earlier appeared before the Magistrate's Court on August 26 where the case was adjourned to September 30, to allow the Crown and defence to file their written documents with court.

The accused who is charged with one count of possession of a firearm namely a pistol without a license was represented by Kahungunu Barron-Afeaki. The Crown was represented by Sione Sisifa.