Results for Supreme Court

Viliami Tino Ma’u (28) is serving 16 months imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of goods worth $1,848 from a store in Ma’ufanga last year.

Petelo Luka Kauvaka (28) received a two-year six-month sentence for reckless driving that caused the death of his 20-year-old nephew. The accident occurred when he sped excessively, causing the vehicle to flip and hit a coconut tree on the road between Pelehake and Malapo in June last year.

Lesieli Namoa as a judgment debtor in a civil case brought by Siosaia Moehau was found to have assets including a lease of Loumaile Lodge, funds of $160,000 pa'anga and Sakura Company Ltd.. While Namoa claimed that she did not have a bank account, the judge noted that her income “is clouded in mystery” and it may be a device to avoid her assets and money being traced.

Talifolau Letisi received a suspended sentence for being in charge of motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.

Falakiko Uatahausi (40) was jailed for six months for possession of 1.33 grams of methamphetamine, seized on him at the Tonga Institute of Higher Education in Pahu, where he was working as a security guard.

Tevita Matangi (32) is serving four and a half years imprisonment for two charges of causing grievous bodily harm to Mateaki Hafoka (29) and Sikuvea Fifita (26), when he attacked them with a machete during a drunken altercation in Talau, Vava'u in 2023.

A former Deputy CEO of Tourism, Mary Magdalena Tafa Fifita was successful in her civil action, after a Supreme Court judge quashed the Public Service Commission's decision to dismiss and charge her with 27 charges of serious breach of discipline. The judge found that the charging process relied on a flawed investigation. In this case it was necessary for the PSC, to prove their charges, not for the person accused to disprove them. “The inquiry, did not ask itself the right questions,” stated the judge.

Palatoni Laimani (37) is serving six years and six months in prison for possession of 155.90 grams of methamphetamine, seized in a police raid at his home in Hofoa. “It stands to reason that Mr. Laimani was dealing with others more heavily involved in illicit drug supply and so in turn, he forms part of serious organised criminal network,” stated the Judge.

‘Ofa Tongia (27) is serving 12 months imprisonment and ‘Ilaisaane Kolo (23) seven months imprisonment for drugs and utensils offences. Their co-accused received a suspended sentence for possession of utensils.