Results for From the Courts

‘Ofa Tokelau, aged 53, is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for fraudulently obtaining $17,000 pa’anga. He deceived a customer by taking payment for a car that was never delivered.

Viliami Tukumoe’atu (28) is serving one year imprisonment for reckless driving under the influence of alcohol, causing the death of his father in Makaunga in January this year. The accused was driving at up to 140 kilometres per hour, when he struck an oncoming vehicle, lost control and crashed into an electric pole. “In passing sentence, you do not need me to tell you what this tragedy has unfolded,” the Lord Chief Justice said in passing sentence.

‘Oto Langafo’ou Loloa (35) is serving 18 months in prison for two charges that included possession of 1238.71 grams of cannabis leaves and seeds, after police were informed that he was selling from his residence in Fua’amotu.

An arsonist, Taniela Matangi (38) will serve seven years imprisonment, for serious housebreaking and stealing tapa and mats from a church minister's home in Longolongo. The charges included serious arson after he set fire to a bedroom at the home. Three others were jailed for receiving the stolen property.

Sione Kei’aloha Langi (31) and Viliami Pongi (42) were jailed for charges including serious housebreaking and theft of goods worth $20,440 from a business in Veitongo.

Penisimani Foukimoana Koli Moa (33) was imprisoned for one year and eight months, after he entered the Emerald Hotel and pointed a .22 pistol at the forehead of an employee. “The defendant foolishly thought it appropriate to carry in his trouser pocket an unlicensed .22 pistol, while out drinking,” stated the judge.

Epworth Laimani was sentenced to five years imprisonment for possession of 13.27 grams of methamphetamine seized in Sopu and other charges. This includes the activation of a suspended sentence of 12 months, which he breached.

Two men and one woman were jailed for possession of 20.92 grams and 13.52 grams of methamphetamine seized in a police raid outside a restaurant in Houma. In sentencing the trio at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, Lord Chief Justice Bishop said Methamphetamine is a serious scourge in Tonga. “Considering the current increase of illicit drugs in the community, deterrence and with it punishment, is of greater priority than rehabilitation.”

Bosco Fakatava (19) is serving six months imprisonment after pleading guilty to robbery of a cell phone and cash totaling over $2,000 from a victim whom he assaulted in 2024. His co-accused, who pleaded not guilty, awaits a verdict.