Results for From the Courts

Sione Taione (41) was sentenced to 17-months' imprisonment for the theft of meat boxes, to the value of $10,225 pa'anga, from a refrigerated container belonging to a store in Fasi.

Heneli Losalu (25), ‘Akapei Fa (20) and Semisi Moeaki (20) have been jailed for serious bodily harm, committed when they jointly attacked and injured a 17-year-old in the village of Puke in January this year. "It is a tragedy of this case that these young men are getting prison sentences today. But this court cannot allow this level of violence, with rolling attacks spilling over into peoples' kava clubs or private residence, especially when in the name of the inter college rivalry. That is simply demented and wrong," said the judge.

Nesiasi Kamoto (49) was found guilty of discharging a a .22 rifle to intimidate his relatives, who were living at his tax allotment in Tofoa. He will be sentenced at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court. on 28 October. “This should be a salient reminder to owners and licensed holders how important it is to ensure safe and secure storage of firearms," said the judge.

Prisoner Piliote Uasike (26) was sentenced to three-years for possessing of 4.66 grams of methamphetamine, found on him. A repeat drug offender, he is already in prison serving time on other drugs offences.

Six new judges have been appointed to Tonga's Court of Appeal. The increase is to ensure availability for each session.

Ma’afu Ledger (42) was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for causing serious bodily harm, when he struck a 62-year-old man with a can of beer, resulting in permanent blindness in the vitcim's right eye.

Sione Uaisele Fifita (30) was sentenced to three-years and 10-months imprisonment for numerous counts, that included forgery and embezzlement of $29,803 from his employer in separate cases.

Kalafitoni Toluta'u (41) and Simoni Taliai (39) who pleaded guilty to a joint count of possessing 1.96 grams of methamphetamine, after they were reported to be selling illicit drugs from a car in Ma'ufanga were jailed. A co-accused convicted of a lesser count received a suspended sentence.

Former Prime Minister and Tongatapu No. 10 People’s Representative, Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa retains his seat in the Legislative Assembly, after his appeals were upheld by the Appeal Court on 9 August. Two other Tongatapu People's Representatives also keep their seats, after appeals against them were dismissed.