Results for Supreme Court

The trial against a current Cabinet Minister and People’s Representative to Parliament, ‘Akosita Lavulavu and her husband, ‘Etuate Lavulavu, also a former Cabinet Minister, started on April 12 at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court. The couple have pleaded not guilty to three joint counts of obtaining a total of over $500,000 pa'anga by false pretences.

Manavahetau Fua’eiki (42) who was convicted of possession of methamphatamine was sentenced to one-year nine-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended on conditions at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.

In light of recent media reports that the Courts are imposing more suspended sentences due to overcrowding in Tonga's prison system, the following clarification is provided for the information of the public and better understanding: 1. The Courts do not suspend sentences because of prison overcrowding. 2. Provision of adequate prison facilities and related services is the responsibility of the Executive Government. 3. Upholding the rule of law and administering justice in the Kingdom is the responsibility of the Judiciary and the Courts. .... Michael Whitten QC, Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga.

A new Supreme Court judge, Hon Justice Nicholas Cooper, from the United Kingdom, was today welcomed at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. Lord Chief Justice Whitten QC said that, like so many countries around the world, Tonga remains in the grip of very serious challenges posed by illicit drugs and the Courts continue to play their part in endeavouring to protect all the people of Tonga.

Suliana Fate (21), who was convicted of knocking-out a man with a stick while drunk, before stealing his vehicle in Ma'ufanga, received a suspended jail sentence, together with two other co-accused.

The forgery trial against a current Cabinet Minister and People’s Representative to Parliament ‘Akosita Lavulavu, and her husband, a former Cabinet Minister, ‘Etuate is now expected to start in April.

Ue’ikaetau Tapa’atoutai was sentenced to six-months imprisonment for possession of 0.08 grams of methamphetamine and 0.43 grams of cannabis. This was fully suspended on conditions.

Lafitani Mahe has been found guilty at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on possession of 1.4 grams of methamphetamine seized at Pili.

Le-ata Fashion Boutique & Gift Shop has been ordered by the Supreme Court to vacate the property it rented on Taufa’ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, CBD, as a result of a civil claim brought by the plaintiff, Cocker Enterprises Ltd., the sub-lessee. Lord Chief Justice ordered the defendant to pay the plaintiff damages in the sum of $11,000 and costs of the proceedings.