Results for From the Courts

Luo Wopeng (25) was fined $700 to be paid within a month or face two months in prison for possession of arm (pistol) which is prohibited and ammunition without a license.

A sleep-deprived, unlicensed driver, who nodded off at the wheel after refusing to hand over the driving to another, will go to prison for reckless driving causing the death of her aunt, a passenger, who was sleeping in the back of her car when it crashed into a power pole in eastern Tongatapu.

Tupou Seluini Tahilanu (28) was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment with some part suspended for embezzlement of $47,521 from her employer, Tonga Power Ltd. in 2022.

Falakiko ‘Asisi Mafi (43) was sentenced to two-years six-months imprisonment partially suspended for reckless driving that caused the death of his wife in a road crash in 2023.

Venasio Hau (32) was sentenced to four-years and six-months imprisonment, partially suspended, for possession of 27.76 grams of methamphetamine, while his two co-accused received suspended sentences. The illicit drugs were seized after Police received information of it being sold at a residence in Ma'ufanga.

Samiu Pese (40) was sentenced to five-years imprisonment for dangerous driving causing the death of his passenger who was asleep in the open back of a truck, when it crashed in Vava'u.

A consistent drug re-offender, Sione ‘Ala (26) was sentenced two-years five-months imprisonment for possession of illicit drugs including methamphetamine, in two separate offences, involving vehicles in Nuku’alofa. 

'Akimeta Tu’utafaiva (40) was jailed for causing serious bodily harm in a drunken violent outburst at Kolofo'ou, when he injured his 20-year-old nephew, causing a permanent disability on his left index finger. The judge said that it was unclear why the full extent of the dangerous and violent outburst, apparently involving attacks on property and an attempt to injure another with the machete, was not fully indicted.

Ma’ati Voni Lino (47) was sentenced to 18-months imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, and discharging a firearm when he shot a dog in Nukunuku.