Results for From the Courts

Motesio Vaioleti (33), who knew he was driving with faulty brakes with his children in the vehicle, and crashed into another vehicle, was fined $300 pa’anga. Mr Justice Niu “This offence is serious,” said the Judge who recommended that the Legislature heavier penalties be legislated for this offence, because there are many vehicles on the road, “we should not wait until a life is lost,” he said.

A man in his 40s was sentenced to two-years six-months imprisonment for three counts of serious indecent assault of a minor aged 12 years old, in Tongatapu. Hon. Mr Justice Cooper ordered there be no publication of any detail that could lead to the identification of the victim in this case.

Mikaele Hoponoa Pahulu (42) was sentenced to 11 years and 7 months imprisonment for manslaughter in a sadistic, brutally violent attack on a frail 71-year-old patient at the Psychiatric Ward in Vaiola Hospital. “This was manslaughter just short of murder, possibly only because that was not charged. Why murder was not charged has never been explained,” said the Supreme Court judge. “It is just barbaric.” Another person stood alongside, watched and walked away leaving the victim unconscious on the ground.

Poni ‘Ahohako (26) was found guilty of serious housebreaking and causing serious bodily harm, when he hit Ramsay Dalgety on the head with a teapot, when he broke into his home on February 8 this year, at Ha'ateiho.

‘Okusitino Penisimani Tatafu (49) is the man who was arrested in Neiafu, when Police seized 254.72 grams of cocaine on November 14. He remains in police custody, until January 2022.

Three men who were convicted of the string of armed robberies at three Chinese run shops in Tongatapu, in January earlier this year have received lengthy jail terms. Rodney Toki (27), Taniela Pohahau (27) and Tuiaki Muli Pahulu (23) were sentenced on November 29, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

‘Ana Katokalala Siale (38) who is currently serving time in Hu'atolitoli Prison was sentenced to serve an additional six-months imprisonment for the housebreaking and theft of $10,650 pa'anga worth of Tongan handicrafts in 2020. She is currently serving two-years six-months imprisonment for two previous convictions of similar offences.

Tevita 'Osaiasi Matangi was sentenced to nine-months imprisonment for possession of 1.22 grams of methamphetamine, found with him inside a taxi at Longolongo. This was fully suspended.

‘Ana Katokakala Siale (38) who is currently serving six-months in Hu'atolitoli Prison was sentenced to serve another two-years for housebreaking and theft of $22,980 pa'anga worth of Tongan artefacts from several homes in Vaini, Ha'asini, Tatakamotonga, Fanga and Pili from 2020 to early 2021..