Results for Supreme Court

Halatu’u Palei was fined $450 pa’anga or in default face one month imprisonment for unlawful importation of a .22 rifle and 1080 rounds of ammunition seized in Vava'u.

Lafitani Mahe who is currently serving a prison term for housebreaking and theft received an additional time for possession of illicit drugs, after being sentenced at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court today. His co-accused received a suspended sentence.

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.