Results for From the Courts

Mrs Petunia Tupou KC will be sworn in as a new judge of the Supreme Court of Tonga on 1 August, following the retirement of Hon. Mr Justice Laki Niu.

Vincent Mavaetangi Niua (51) was sentenced to eight-years imprisonment for attempted murder of a woman, with whom he was in a defacto relationship. “In my view, it is more likely that he was feeling scorned by the complainant having ended the relationship and, consistent with his egotistically controlling manner, was intent on revenge and subjugation by ending her life. ...His actions can only be described as appalling and sadistic,” said the Judge.

A Special Court of Appeal this week will include four appeals from Tongatapu People's Representatives to the Legislative Assembly, who were certified to have committed bribery in the lead up to the 2021 November General Election.

'Osaiasi Naulumatua (38) was sentenced to two two-years two-months imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm, that indirectly resulted in the death of another man. He is very fortunate not to have not been charged with manslaughter. This is yet another sad and tragic case where a violent, alcohol fuelled, outburst has resulted, at least indirectly, in death, said the Lord Chief Justice.

Titali To’ia (37) is the man charged in the death of Netane Nimo (26) from a road accident on Taufa‘ahau Road, Veitongo on Saturday night, 18 June.

Two men who were acquitted of possessing 2.19 grams of methamphetamine were found guilty on lesser counts at the Supreme Court. A co-accused died at Vaiola Hospital, after a high speed vehicle chase followed by on-foot pursuit with Tonga Police on another matter, during the time of the trial.

Kaumavae Fakaanga (35) was sentenced to seven-years imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm, when he injured a man with a machete at Tokomololo in 2021. As a result of his injuries, the complainant's left hand was amputated.

Hotili Saafi (27) was sentenced to 20-months imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of goods valued at $4,860 pa’anga, at a home he broke into numerous times in Fua'amotu. He entered the home through the ceiling causing major damage.

‘Alefosio Vaiangina (44) will be sentenced in July after he was convicted of housebreaking and theft of Tongan fine mats valued at $28,400 pa'anga from the Royal Palace in Vava’u.