Results for From the Courts

'Aisea Havea (35) and Kaniteli Guttenbeil (33) who were caught red-handed sitting in their car with eight small packets of cannabis and a pipe in an open bag between them at Popua, were found guilty of possession and sentenced to jail terms.

Pita Talanoa (44) was sentenced to nine-years 10-months imprisonment on three separate sets of offences concerning illicit drugs including possession of 24.43 grams methamphetamine, as well as being re-sentenced for a further drugs offence. The judge said Talanoa's offending was remorseless: “He will serve a substantial sentence, because this offending deserves it. ...the public need to be protected from his venal behaviour.”

An intoxicated driver, Tepi Angilau, is serving 10-months in prison for causing serious bodily harm to her partner at the time, who was a passenger, when she was driving under the influence of alcohol on a night out.

Two men were sentenced to six-months' imprisonment, each fully suspended on conditions, for possession of a total of 0.05 grams of methamphetamine seized inside their vehicle at Popua, which was blasting loud music that attracted the attention of Police.

Siosiua Vea (37) was sentenced to two-years two-months imprisonment, partially suspended, for serious fraudulent conversion, when he scammed $15,000 from a couple whom were paying for a vehicle advertised on facebook.

Livingi Fifita (43) received a suspended sentence on conditions for charges that included carrying a .22 rifle with intent to commit an offence against his co-worker at a supermarket in Pea.

Sione Pongi (36) is serving 16-months imprisonment for drugs offences, after the Supreme Court replaced his original 10-months sentence imposed by the Magistrates Court, in a successful appeal by the Crown against sentence. “That he cooperated with the police I respectfully consider irrelevant when in reality he was caught red handed,” stated the judge.

A fraudulent online car dealer, Filimone To‘aho (43), was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the final year suspended for eight charges of receiving a total of $243,486 by false pretences in a scam on Facebook. His victims, six women and two men, included a prince.

Two repeat offenders were jailed for charges that included cultivation of cannabis weighing 64.55 grams and possession of drugs utensils. While a co-offender received a suspended sentence, on conditions, at the Magistrate's Court in Nukunuku.