Results for From the Courts

The jailed Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism ‘Akosita Lavulavu (36) and her husband ’Etuate (62) were this morning denied bail pending their appeal. The Lord Chief Justice was not satisfied with their prospects of success on their appeals and gave reasons why in his 18-pages ruling, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Kautai Moala (38) was sentenced to five and a half-years imprisonment for possession of 19.49 grams of methamphetamine seized at Ngele'ia. The judge said he was appalled to learn that Moala was identified in the community as a supplier of drugs and used young boys from the community to run drugs for him.

Imposing six year prison sentences on convicted fraudsters 'Etuate and 'Akosita Lavulavu today Hon. Mr Justice J. Cooper said he had taken into account all mitigating factors and had kept his overall sentence as low as he as he could. In his 61 points sentencing remarks, released this afternoon, the judge said he took no account of the corrupting of the trial process by both defendants and their submission of false references. “I ignore the fact that Mr Lavulavu has sought to try and influence the outcome with the lure of money.” He also noted that they were not charged with theft, when they could have been.

‘Opeti Fekau (38) was today sentenced to three-years four months imprisonment for possession of 21.24 grams of methamphetamine, seized at his home in Havelu. The judge found that the amount involved was clearly for the purpose of supply.

Heneli Manuofetoa (40) was sentenced today to another seven months imprisonment for possession of 0.1 gram of methamphetamine. He is currently serving time at Hu’atolitoli Prison for another drug offence.

Kava Mone and Maikolo Mahe remain missing at sea in Foa, Ha'apai after they went fishing in a small aluminium boat on June 23. Searches over the weekend did not find anything.

Sione Pouono (20) was sentenced to five-years imprisonment for unlawful possession of illicit drugs and grievous bodily harm, when he severed another man's finger with a chopping knife at Lapaha. "Methamphetamine is a scourge to societies everywhere that has affected a great deal of harm and misery. The distribution and use of methamphetamine in Tonga is a significant government and community concern,” said the judge.

Tailoni Mafi (39) was today jailed for 22-months for serious housebreaking and serious indecent assault committed on a young woman, who was asleep at her home in Tongatapu. In court the offender was described as “a dangerous person”.

Sesilia Uaisele (29) was sentenced to three-months imprisonment for possession of 0.02 grams of methamphetamine, seized in a vehicle at a bus station in Nuku'alofa.