Results for Supreme Court

Siosifa Fili (35) and Sila Maile (28) were jailed for various charges including possession of 1.62 grams of methamphetamine and 0.66 grams of cannabis. A co-accused received a suspended sentence.

'Alifeleti Uepi Latu (33) was sentenced to four years and one month imprisonment, with a part suspended, for numerous charges, which included serious housebreaking and theft of items valued at $22,750 from a house at Tofoa. The defendant was said to be an unemployed drug user who had relied on his mother's money transfers from the United States. He had previous convictions for theft, assault, domestic violence and bodily harm.

Key evidence in the trial of disgraced former government Ministers, ‘Etuate and ‘Akosita Lavulavu, has been ruled inadmissible in their retrial on charges of obtaining money by false pretences, which has been constantly delayed since last year.

Manley Manu Soakai Palu (25) was sentenced to three years imprisonment, with a portion suspended, for three counts of causing bodily injury to a couple and their two year old daughter, while driving under the influence of alcohol. “The public must be protected from people who drink and drive,” stated the Judge.

Siena Li received a suspended sentence for possession of 0.08 grams methamphetamine and smashing a pipe used to smoke drugs, when she was arrested in a car at Ha’ateiho.

Haisini Fonohema (37) was jailed for charges including possession of 1.08 grams of methamphetamine and assaulting an undercover police officer who was arresting him in Ha’alalo. His co-offender, Sosaia Palei (39) received a suspended sentence.

In the Supreme Court of Tonga, Civil Jurisdiction, Mr Justice Cooper on 12 July ruled to continue an Interim Injunction in favour of the plaintiff, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in an ongoing court battle over control of the Kingdom's foreign affairs, that will lead to a judicial review hearing in September.

Fetu’utaha Sikalu (34) was jailed for charges including possession of 0.15 grams of methamphetamine seized at Ha’ateiho. While, his 22-year-old co-accused, Sefo Tonga received a suspended sentence for possession of drug utensils.

Siosaia Taulahi (20) and Tevita Pasi (21) were imprisoned for serious housebreaking, theft and receiving valuable Tongan handicrafts worth around $231,700, stolen from the Tonga National Museum in 2022. Pasi was also sentenced for supplying methamphetamine to a minor. He manipulated a child to become involved in a high value theft of significant cultural artefacts and used the allure of illicit drugs to do so. It was a “deeply offensive crime”, said the judge. “The vandalism of the museum was a terrible act.” Most of the items stolen were never recovered.