Results for sentencing

Sitaleki Tu’itavake (48) was sentenced to four and a half-years imprisonment for possession of 2.87 grams of methamphetamine 
and 3,153.7 grams of cannabis in two separate incidents. The judge declined to suspend any part of the sentence. "All his recent history demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the law and the opportunities afforded to him for rehabilitation. With his escalating drug offending, he is also becoming a risk to himself and the community,” he said.

Vincent Mavaetangi Niua (51) was sentenced to eight-years imprisonment for attempted murder of a woman, with whom he was in a defacto relationship. “In my view, it is more likely that he was feeling scorned by the complainant having ended the relationship and, consistent with his egotistically controlling manner, was intent on revenge and subjugation by ending her life. ...His actions can only be described as appalling and sadistic,” said the Judge.

'Osaiasi Naulumatua (38) was sentenced to two two-years two-months imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm, that indirectly resulted in the death of another man. He is very fortunate not to have not been charged with manslaughter. This is yet another sad and tragic case where a violent, alcohol fuelled, outburst has resulted, at least indirectly, in death, said the Lord Chief Justice.

Kaumavae Fakaanga (35) was sentenced to seven-years imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm, when he injured a man with a machete at Tokomololo in 2021. As a result of his injuries, the complainant's left hand was amputated.

Mafi Fatongiatau Fakatene (22) was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm, when he wounded a 25-year-old victim with a machete at Fua'amotu. The court was told that these two men had a long simmering animosity that was punctuated by outbursts of violence.

Prolific thief Sione Katoa who is currently serving a prison sentence was sentenced to 11-months imprisonment for common assault, serious housebreaks and theft of high value electronic goods.

An 80-year-old man was sentenced to six-months imprisonment for one count of indecent assault of a young girl under the age of 12. This was fully suspended.

Ernie Fotu (43) received a suspended sentence for possession of 15.54 grams of cannabis at the Magistrate Court.

Mikaele Hoponoa Pahulu (42) was sentenced to 11 years and 7 months imprisonment for manslaughter in a sadistic, brutally violent attack on a frail 71-year-old patient at the Psychiatric Ward in Vaiola Hospital. “This was manslaughter just short of murder, possibly only because that was not charged. Why murder was not charged has never been explained,” said the Supreme Court judge. “It is just barbaric.” Another person stood alongside, watched and walked away leaving the victim unconscious on the ground.