Results for From the Courts

‘Ilona Maria Ika (27) was sentenced to one-year imprisonment for the theft of $18,000 pa’anga from a customer’s account at ANZ Bank. Nine withdrawals were made over several months.

After completing eight and a half-years as a Supreme Court Judge of Tonga, Hon. Mr Justice Charles Cato was appointed as a King’s Counsel, during a formal but heartwarming farewell in Nuku'alofa today. By Linny Folau.

The tragic death of a local businessman, Tausinga Taumoefolau (46), in December 2019 was caused by the drunken driving of a criminal psychiatric patient, who was released because the Vaiola Hospital Psychiatric Ward was overloaded. “This case is an extremely tragic illustration and reminder of the effects on individuals and the community at large when this aspect of public health is not adequately resourced,” Lord Chief Justice M. H. Whitten QC observed yesterday, 23 October, in sentencing the offender, Lemoto Lemeki Manu (34).

An appeal by Lord Tu'ivakano against his conviction is now awaiting judgment from Tonga's Court of Appeal.

Seven men, including four teenagers, have been jailed for charges that included jointly cultivating 2665 cannabis plants (99.6 kgs) at a tax allotment in Holonga, Vava’u.

Tevita Valikoula (57) was sentenced today to five-years three-months imprisonment for receiving stolen Tongan properties valued at $19,400 pa’anga and encouraging another to steal $17,000 worth of kava plants. The judge said it was despicable the offender had exploited another man to his own advantage.

Seven men have pleaded guilty to charges that included jointly cultivating 2665 cannabis plants [99.6 kgs] at a tax allotment in Holonga, Vava’u.

Loketi Malie (39) is serving one-year three-months imprisonment for seriously harming a 56-year-old man, whom he hit on the leg with a piece of sandalwood in Futu, ‘Eua.

Taniela Moimoi (34) was found guilty at the Supreme Court for illicit drugs and ammunition offences. He will be sentenced on November 25.