Results for From the Courts

Andrew Motuliki (28) was sentenced to seven and a half-years imprisonment for supplying cocaine that washed up on beaches in Vava’u in 2021. The court heard that he played a significant role, when he involved others for reward, as he had some understanding of the scale of the operation.

Siaosi Havea (28) was sentenced to three-years five-months imprisonment for serious housebreaking and the theft of goods valued at $10,118 pa’anga from a shop at Poutaha. ““It is quite obvious from the defendant’s previous convictions that he is a habitual property offender and is a high risk of re-offending,” said the judge.

A new Judge of the Court of Appeal of Tonga, Hon. Justice Jean Hazel Dalton, took her oath before Cabinet Ministers, on 25 September, at St George Government Building, Nuku’alofa.

Two men have been jailed for the theft of Tongan koloa worth over $30,000 pa’anga and a vehicle in two separate incidents. While, a co-accused received a fully suspended sentence for receiving one of the stolen goods.

The King’s Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel is looking for a Tongan to replace the Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten KC of Australia, who completed a four year appointment at the end of August. Meanwhile, the King in Council has appointed Justice Petunia Tupou KC as Acting Lord Chief Justice, Acting President of the Land Court and Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

Tevita Lisiate (23) of Ha’ateiho was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, due to insufficient evidence. It was alleged that he threw a stone that caused permanent blindness in a young woman’s right eye. A rock landed on her face. She didn't see who had thrown it, said the judge. There was no evidence as to the circumstances in which Tevita Lisiate was arrested. “If these observations on basic trial preparation are ignored, then victims of crime will continue to be denied a voice in the Criminal Justice System,” said the Judge.

Neil Taufahema (53) was convicted of discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate his older brother at a home in Navutoka in 2022. He received a fully suspended sentence, on conditions.

Viliami Tu’ipulotu and Heneli Manuofetoa have been found guilty of receiving stolen property, namely laptops stolen from the Ministry of Revenue in 2022. 

The Supreme Court of Tonga has ruled in favour of a civil claim brought by the Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs against the Public Service Commission, who unlawfully initiated serious disciplinary action against her. In his ruling the Lord Chief Justice Whitten KC. considered that there were many problems with the regulations - saying the wording in some regulations is "nonsensical". He also said the PSC was in breach of a requirement to appoint a CEO for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.