Results for From the Courts

A 17-year-old youth was found guilty on charges of carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 15, committed in January last year in Tongatapu.

Dr Tu’i Uata, the Minister of Trade and Economic Development is facing charges of neglecting to obey and refusal to obey the Port Master’s direction in regards to the mooring of two vessels, MV Pulupaki and MV Punalei.

Sione Vuna Fa’otusia, the Minister of Justice has been charged with wrongful interference with the course of justice and using threatening language to police officers in a dispute over a stolen cow in January.

Viliami Mangisi pleaded not guilty today to charges relating to the seizure of 1.9 kilos of methamphetamine in the departure lounge at Fua’amotu International Airport last year. His co-accused, meanwhile, has pleaded guilty.

Pahulu Manoa (38) was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for causing the death of a 48-year-old man while driving under the influence of alcohol on Vuna Road last year.

A businessman of Asian origin was convicted of failing to declare carrying over $10,000 pa’anga at Fua’amotu International Airport last year, and is expected be sentenced in April.

A Supreme Court judge expressed concern that accused Meth mule Viliami Mangisi (59), was granted bail by a lower court, after he was late for his first appearance at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa this morning. The judge issued a warrant for Mangisi's arrest shortly before he turned up to face charges in relation to the seizure of 1.9 kilos of meth at Fua'amotu Airport departure lounge last year.

Two methamphetamine cases with the Magistrate’s Court have been further adjourned to May awaiting the result of drug test from New Zealand.

Lord Tu'ivakano had his trial tentatively set to start in September after appearing at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa on March 11.