Results for Nuku'alofa Supreme Court

Suspended jail sentences were imposed on Kuliti Tongamoa for supplying cocaine to ‘Epeli Taione, who was found guilty of possession. Both maintained their innocence, which was disappointing particularly in Taione's case, said the Acting Supreme Court Judge, “as this sort of behaviour is a sure recipe for re-offending.”

A 37-year-old mother of seven who broke into a house in Nukunuku and stole Tongan koloa (mats and ta'ovala) worth $14,100, received a suspended jail sentence, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. She is a repeat offender, but the Judge considered that her children would be in trouble if she was imprisoned.

A claim by Royco Shipping Services Ltd. for $26,616 damages against Matson South Pacific Ltd., over a stevedoring agreement dispute was dismissed by Tonga's Lord Chief Justice, who ruled that during the term of agreement, it did not give Royco exclusive right to provide stevedoring services for all of Matson's vessels at the Port of Nuku'alofa.

Latu Selu was acquitted of charges, including possession of methamphatamine due to an unlawful search by Tonga Police, ruled a Supreme Court judge who found there was a deliberate disregard of the law.

Sione Vasi (35) was sentenced to one year six-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended for possessing 2.8 grams of methamphatamine in 'Utulau.

Mr Nicholas Cooper of the United Kingdom has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Tonga. He replaces former Justice Cato who retired last year.

Lolina ‘Ofa (24) was sentenced to 15-months imprisonment for numerous counts of forgery and theft of $18,189 pa’anga from a family business. The sentence was fully suspended, at the Nuku'alofa Surpeme Court. "I believe the defendant had mistakenly believed that this idea of taking whatever you want from your fa'etangata would be applicable in her case, but unfortunately the complainant did not share her logic," said the judge.

‘Inoke Huakau (39) was sentenced at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court, to six-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended for possession of 0.29 grams of methamphetamine in 2019.

Sesilia Uaisele was found guilty on possession of 0.02 grams of methamphetamine, seized inside her co-accused vehicle at the bus station in Nuku'alofa. “A substantial amount of money was found in her bag and purse. Empty plastic packs were also found in the car. All these items are consistent with items possessed by someone dealing or using drugs,” said the judge, in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.