Results for From the Courts

Four men were found guilty at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on numerous charges of possessing methamphetamine and cannabis at a home in Hofoa, where drug dealing was conducted. They will be sentenced on a later date.

Sione Vasi (35) was sentenced to one year six-months imprisonment, which was fully suspended for possessing 2.8 grams of methamphatamine in 'Utulau.

Mr Nicholas Cooper of the United Kingdom has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Tonga. He replaces former Justice Cato who retired last year.

Tevita Talia’uli Fatongiatau (34), who is currently serving time in prison, was sentenced to another one-year nine-months imprisonment sentence for possession of methamphetamine, by the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Lolina ‘Ofa (24) was sentenced to 15-months imprisonment for numerous counts of forgery and theft of $18,189 pa’anga from a family business. The sentence was fully suspended, at the Nuku'alofa Surpeme Court. "I believe the defendant had mistakenly believed that this idea of taking whatever you want from your fa'etangata would be applicable in her case, but unfortunately the complainant did not share her logic," said the judge.

Siosifa Fotu (37) is serving an imprisonment sentence of two-years and three-months for possession of 25.5 grams of methamphetamine seized, at Fou’i last year.

Lafitani Mahe has been found guilty at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court on possession of 1.4 grams of methamphetamine seized at Pili.

Sesilia Uaisele was found guilty on possession of 0.02 grams of methamphetamine, seized inside her co-accused vehicle at the bus station in Nuku'alofa. “A substantial amount of money was found in her bag and purse. Empty plastic packs were also found in the car. All these items are consistent with items possessed by someone dealing or using drugs,” said the judge, in the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Siaosi Makaafi was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment for possession of a cannabis plant, which weighed 48.33 grams. The sentence was fully suspended on conditions, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.