Results for Supreme Court

Soane Papaa (28) who pleaded guilty to cultivating one cannabis plant at Lapaha was ordered to carry out 40-hours of community service. Because it was a single cannabis plant there was no evidence of any intention to supply, said the Supreme Court judge.

Vola Tuaimeitu’a (59) has been found not guilty and acquitted on charges relating to the importation of firearms without a license. The firearms were seized in a crate, which arrived from the United States in January, 2020. The judge said "The defendant did everything in his power to get a licence in a timely way.”

Misivina Tatakamotonga was sentenced to seven-years eight-months imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs, including 99.47 grams of methamphetamine. The judge said it was gravely concerning that the defendant's true activities were not reflected in the indictment and there appeared to be scant investigation into the dealer list. He urged the investigating authorities “to reflect on what lines of enquiry can properly be pursued."

Siueli Angilau (42) was today found guilty of possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine seized by Tonga Police after received they information that illicit drugs were being sold from a little house in Fanga.

A couple who have the same father have been placed on good behaviour for two-years, after they were convicted of incest at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.

Kautai Moala (38) who is serving five-years imprisonment for possession of 19.49 grams of methamphetamine seized at Ngele'ia, was denied bail pending his appeal.

Filimone To’aho (40) was sentenced to one-year jail for the theft of over $17,767 pa’anga, which he borrowed and misused to purchase 20 vehicles from Japan. By May this year, he repaid most of the money and received a suspended sentence.

Kautai Moala (38) was sentenced to five and a half-years imprisonment for possession of 19.49 grams of methamphetamine seized at Ngele'ia. The judge said he was appalled to learn that Moala was identified in the community as a supplier of drugs and used young boys from the community to run drugs for him.

Six years prison sentences were imposed on the Lavulavu couple this morning in their sentencing at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. The judge noted that both had shown no remorse and made no attempts to repay over $500,000 pa'anga of TVET education funds they had plundered. Probation reports said 'Etuate was known to be “deceitful” and 'Akosita's dishonesty proved her true character. 'Akosita is a Minister in the Tu'i'onetoa government.