Results for From the Courts

Tevita Matangi was found guilty of two charges of causing grievous bodily harm to Mateaki Hafoka (29) and Sikuvea Fifita (26), when he attacked them during a drunken altercation at Talau in Vava’u in October, 2023.

Vaka Lau’i was ordered to vacate a town allotment situated at Leimatu’a, Vava‘u, known as ‘Keeni Uluakimana’, because his occupation of the land was unlawful, the Land Court ordered. Justice Tupou said the defendant could not rely on the estate holder's son's permission to occupy the land, as the son was not the estate holder.

The Bank of South Pacific was granted entitlement for immediate possession of a leased land registered in the name of Fielea Faeamani, after the defendant failed in their mortgage payments.

The Tonga Development Bank will retain its CEO and Board Chairman, for the time being, pending the resolution of a dispute at trial, in an ongoing civil action against the National Reserve Bank of Tonga. Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop, in a ruling on 19 September, also ordered that Tonga Development Bank (TDB) must still refrain from engaging in any economic development activities, without the prior approval of the National Reserve Bank of Tonga.

Siosifa Fili (35) and Sila Maile (28) were jailed for various charges including possession of 1.62 grams of methamphetamine and 0.66 grams of cannabis. A co-accused received a suspended sentence.

British Barrister, Malcom Bishop KC, officially assumed office as the new Lord Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Tonga and President of the Land Court on 2 September 2024.

Viliami Lokotui (31) was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment with the final six months suspended for charges that included possession of 2.69 grams of methamphetamine, at a residence in Malapo.

Isiah Takau (39) from Ma’ufanga was sentenced to serve a total of three years and nine months imprisonment for possession of 11.94 grams of methamphetamine and cultivation of 10 cannabis plants committed in two separate occasions. He also committed the second offence while on bail.

Manley Manu Soakai Palu (25) was sentenced to three years imprisonment, with a portion suspended, for three counts of causing bodily injury to a couple and their two year old daughter, while driving under the influence of alcohol. “The public must be protected from people who drink and drive,” stated the Judge.