Results for Supreme Court

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.

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.

Two men who were acquitted of possessing 2.19 grams of methamphetamine were found guilty on lesser counts at the Supreme Court. A co-accused died at Vaiola Hospital, after a high speed vehicle chase followed by on-foot pursuit with Tonga Police on another matter, during the time of the trial.

Hotili Saafi (27) was sentenced to 20-months imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of goods valued at $4,860 pa’anga, at a home he broke into numerous times in Fua'amotu. He entered the home through the ceiling causing major damage.

The Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei and former Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, both Members of Parliament have each been granted a stay in the execution of their judgements, that declared their election void, until their appeal is heard and determined. They were earlier found to have committed offences of bribery under the Electoral Act, in election petitions heard before the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa.

The election of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Poasi Tei, as Tongatapu No. 6 People’s Representative to the Legislative Assembly has been declared void by the Supreme Court, after he was found to have committed three acts of bribery, in the lead up to the November 2021 General Election. He is the fourth Member of Parliament and third Cabinet Minister whose election has been voided.