Results for Supreme Court

Nofo Lata He Lotu Fasi (29) is serving two years and four months imprisonment for three counts of serious housebreaking and theft of over $200,000 cash and loud speakers from a warehouse belonging to Luna'eva & Sons Company Limited in Malapo in February this year.

‘Ofa Tokelau, aged 53, is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining $17,000 pa’anga. He deceived a customer by taking payment for a car that was never delivered.

Viliami Tukumoe’atu (28) is serving one year imprisonment for reckless driving under the influence of alcohol, causing the death of his father in Makaunga in January this year. The accused was driving at up to 140 kilometres per hour, when he struck an oncoming vehicle, lost control and crashed into an electric pole. “In passing sentence, you do not need me to tell you what this tragedy has unfolded,” the Lord Chief Justice said in passing sentence.

‘Oto Langafo’ou Loloa (35) is serving 18 months in prison for two charges that included possession of 1238.71 grams of cannabis leaves and seeds, after police were informed that he was selling from his residence in Fua’amotu.

‘Aisea Pese Havea (42) is serving one year and eight months in prison for cultivation of cannabis plants seized at a home in Ha’ateiho by police officers, who were led there by a student who was reported to be in possession at Tonga College. 

Penisimani Foukimoana Koli Moa (33) was imprisoned for one year and eight months, after he entered the Emerald Hotel and pointed a .22 pistol at the forehead of an employee. “The defendant foolishly thought it appropriate to carry in his trouser pocket an unlicensed .22 pistol, while out drinking,” stated the judge.

Heilala Finau (23) is serving one year and three months in prison for obtaining $18,300 from a mother and her two daughters in a web of deception and lies, when she pretended to be a public servant handling applications for government aid to provide housing.

Manase Funaki (37) is serving three years imprisonment for reckless driving that caused the deaths of his two children aged nine and 12 years. His vehicle rolled off Hihifo Road and hit a fence, in January this year. The judge said the driver demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the law and the safety of his passengers or other road users.

‘Ofa Tokelau obtained $17,000 pa’anga by false pretences from a complainant who thought she was ordering a vehicle from Japan, which never arrived. Justice Paul Garlick found the scammer guilty of a false pretences charge on 6 June in the Supreme Court, Nuku’alofa.