Results for sentencing

Repeat offender Hateni Kaufusi (35) was sentenced to 34-months imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of tool shed items estimated at $11,840. His co-accused Kulikefu Vanisi (54) got a suspended sentence for abetment.

Heneli Losalu (25), ‘Akapei Fa (20) and Semisi Moeaki (20) have been jailed for serious bodily harm, committed when they jointly attacked and injured a 17-year-old in the village of Puke in January this year. "It is a tragedy of this case that these young men are getting prison sentences today. But this court cannot allow this level of violence, with rolling attacks spilling over into peoples' kava clubs or private residence, especially when in the name of the inter college rivalry. That is simply demented and wrong," said the judge.

Sione Uaisele Fifita (30) was sentenced to three-years and 10-months imprisonment for numerous counts, that included forgery and embezzlement of $29,803 from his employer in separate cases.

Kalafitoni Toluta'u (41) and Simoni Taliai (39) who pleaded guilty to a joint count of possessing 1.96 grams of methamphetamine, after they were reported to be selling illicit drugs from a car in Ma'ufanga were jailed. A co-accused convicted of a lesser count received a suspended sentence.

Two men who were acquitted of possessing 2.19 grams of methamphetamine but were found guilty on lesser counts received suspended sentences, at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

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.