Results for From the Courts

Sitaleki Tu’itavake (48) was sentenced to four and a half-years imprisonment for possession of 2.87 grams of methamphetamine 
and 3,153.7 grams of cannabis in two separate incidents. The judge declined to suspend any part of the sentence. "All his recent history demonstrates a flagrant disregard for the law and the opportunities afforded to him for rehabilitation. With his escalating drug offending, he is also becoming a risk to himself and the community,” he said.

Rodney Toki (28) who is currently serving a lengthy jail term for a string of armed robberies, at Chinese-run shops in Tonga, has been sentenced to five-years and four-months imprisonment for other offences in a crime spree that spanned from late July until the end of August 2021.

Hausia Vaka (43) was sentenced to seven and a half years imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm, when he attacked and severely injured his neighbour's left hand with a machete at Makapaeo."What he did was attack a defenseless man on the ground and aimed a machete blow at his head, which in turn caused these life-changing injuries," said the judge.

Nganga e Hau Lao (55) received a suspended sentence of one year for cultivation of 43 cannabis plants seized at his home in Tatakamotonga. Police raided the defendant's home address and found him sitting on the floor of his living room reading the bible. The cannabis plants were found growing behind his home.

Bruno Latu (27) was sentenced to 27-months imprisonment for offences that included possession of a pistol without a license and 1.72 grams of methamphetamine.

‘Alefosio Vaingaina (44) was sentenced to six-years imprisonment for serious housebreaking and theft of Tongan koloa, valued at around $22,800 from the Royal Palace in Vava'u. The judge said it would appear that this is the first published case of housebreaking and theft perpetrated against the Royal family.

Petelo Mo’unga (25) was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment for possession of 26.98 grams of cocaine and 0.07 grams of methamphetamine.

Bruno Latu (27) got his three-years imprisonment sentence reduced for possession of 0.17 gram of methamphetamine seized at Havelu in 2020.

Prolific drug offender Sosefo Langi Moala (53) got one year suspended from his eight years imprisonment sentence for substantial drug related offences by the Appeal Court. In 2019, he was busted with 41.82 grams of cocaine.