Results for Supreme Court

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.

Siaosi Kalohihea (28) and wife Louena (25) were sentenced to six-months imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs, which was fully suspended, by a Supreme Court judge who urged Tonga Police to catch the main supplier to stop the “scourge of drugs” in the community. “We need to get the person in Tonga who is receiving the drugs from overseas, to stop the spread of drugs,” he said.

Lelei Vaiangina (54) was sentenced to nine-months imprisonment, fully suspended for possession of 0.04 grams of methamphetamine seized outside a vehicle at the Nuku'alofa (Central) Police Station last year.