Results for From the Courts

Kalolaine Fainga’a (32) is serving three years four months in prison for serious housebreaking and theft of goods worth $13,830, including Tongan handicrafts and jewellery from a residence in Tofoa. This was in addition to a suspended sentenced, which was activated. “Housebreaking is always a serious matter, it destroys security, it engenders fear and causes financial distress,” said the Lord Chief Justice.

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Song Ning Wang who was sentenced to imprisonment for inflating the price of goods in his shop in Ha'apai. Wang's appeal that his sentence was manifestly excessive, was rejected.

Harris Satini (49) was found guilty on three counts including possession of 0.55 grams of methamphetamine and 2.85 grams of cannabis seized at his residence in Vaini. He was arrested after he breached his curfew.

Taulanga Nonu was jailed for five and a half years for serious housebreaking, theft and serious arson of the Teta Tours building in the Central Business District. His co-accused, Molitoni Moimoi was sentenced to three years and two months in jail. The Lord Chief Justice considered that Nonu had destroyed property worth no less than $1 million, while Moimoi had a deplorable history of previous offending.

An appeal by Kepueli Mafi, against his conviction on dangerous driving causing the death of ‘Ahotau Taufu’i, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, who found that his driving speed and manner was indeed dangerous when he slept on the wheel.

A prisoner, Kali Malupo (57) was unsuccessful in his appeal against his conviction of causing grievous bodily harm, when he struck a 24-year-old man on the head using a machete in a group attack with his sons in Manuka, Tongatapu. However, in an appeal against sentence, his prison term was substantially reduced.

Taniela Vaka (42) was sentenced to 12 years and 10 months imprisonment on charges including armed robberies committed against three victims in two separate incidents, on Tongatapu. After the first incident the accused was caught and interviewed by police but, “Extraordinarily, it appears he was then released on bail. For a man who had just admitted an armed robbery that appears to raise some serious questions,” said the judge.

Siaosi Halaholo Vete (42) was sentenced to two years imprisonment for three charges including serious housebreaking and theft of property totaling at around $46,798 from his sister’s home, in order to feed his methamphetamine habit.

Lautaimi Tu’itavake (40) was jailed for 24 months in Hu’atolitoli Prison for charges including supplying 0.14 grams of methamphetamine, during a police undercover operation at Malapo in August 2023.