Results for From the Courts

Kalauta Angilau was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with part suspended, for two charges of serious wilful damage and theft of a vehicle worth $20,000, which he stole from Kolofo'ou and dismantled in Vaini.

Satio Matakaiongo (43) was found guilty of possession of 43.07 grams of cannabis in Popua in April earlier this year.

Siosifa Tenefufu (56) was fined $500 pa’anga, to be paid within six months, for the possession of arms and ammunition without a license that included a shotgun and rifle at his home in Lakepa.

Sosaia Vatikani (40) was jailed for serious housebreaking and theft of property, including electrical goods, worth $15,200 pa’anga, from the Nursing School at Vaiola Hospital, in Nuku'alofa - where he left a trail of fingerprints.

An application by Lord Luani to grant and transfer over to him Lord Nuku’s tax allotment and two of his leases, was dismissed by Justice Tupou, who, among other reasons, was not convinced this was a genuine request for directions in the Land Court.

A couple, Tomu (51) and Ma’ata Pouono (47) were found guilty of possession of 0.12 grams of methamphetamine and 7.55 grams of cannabis at their residence in Lapaha in 2023.

Sosefo Vai Mafi (20) is serving three years and three months in prison for causing grievous bodily harm to Tone Fatongiatau (28) when he repeatedly punched him on the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on a cement floor, causing a fracture to his skull.

Lautaimi Tu’itavake (40) was found guilty of charges including supplying 0.14 grams of methamphetamine, during a police undercover operation at Malapo in August 2023.

Eight young men were found guilty on charges relating to a brawl in central Nuku’alofa between two opposing groups from Ha‘ateiho and Paho last year. The charges included jointly causing grievous bodily harm to a victim from Pahu, who suffered life-endangering injuries. Seven of the accused punched and kicked the victim’s head, while another repeatedly hit the victim’s head with a sii branch, causing brain injury. The victim, died shortly afterwards.