Results for From the Courts

Sosiua Vea (37) in a ruthless deception of his best friend was imprisoned for obtaining money by false pretence, when the imported double cab vehicle that was supposed to be purchased was never delivered.

An action brought by Sosefo Penitani challenging the validity of a lease on his hereditary tax allotment registered in the name of another man, Pohiva Uele, claiming that his deceased father’s signature was forged, was dismissed by the Land Court, due to failure to meet the high standard of proof.

Hemaloto Manukailea (50) was sentenced to 19-months imprisonment with part suspended for causing serious bodily harm, when he punched another man, fracturing his jaw, outside a bar in Nuku’alofa, on a night out of drinking alcohol. “The public must be protected from violence and the streets of Tonga must be safe places for the community. The custody threshold has been passed; this offence is so serious only a prison sentence is merited,” the judge said.

A father of four, Sosaia Fifita (36) was jailed for charges including possession of 1.16 grams of methamphetamine during a drug bust in Tofoa last year. A repeat offender, his problem with methamphetamine use dated back to 2009. The judge set the starting point at 24 months “in the light of his continued and determined drug dealing.”

A Supreme Court ruling has restrained Tonga's Public Service Commission from advertising or recruiting a Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while suspending the appointment of Paula Ma’u as its Acting Chief Executive Officer. "The dispute at this level of Government, between Foreign Secretary and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by its nature is pressing; it’s potential to be damaging both domestically and internationally axiomatic," stated Mr Justice Cooper.

A man charged with two counts that included the theft of a vehicle from the Vaiola Hospital car park was found not guilty, although there was evidence that he was a passenger in the stolen car. The Supreme Court judge stated that two of the Crown witnesses 'Miki" Taulaki and Moala 'Ikani should have instead been charged with the offences.

Kelekolio Fonua (23) and Andy Fukofuka (38) were jailed for charges that included serious housebreaking, theft and receiving stolen goods worth $15,403 from Tupou High School at Nukunuku. Alcohol and illicit drug abuse have been a feature of life for both men. Fukofuka had breached a suspended sentence. A probation report said, “he does not support his community and is a malign presence”.

Christopher Taufa (38) was jailed for causing grievous bodily harm when he used a branch or a piece of timber to attack his neighbour during a drink-up in 2022. The attack was extreme. Justice Cooper sentenced him to 30-months' imprisonment, with the last six months suspended on conditions on 26 March, at the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa.

Heneli Manuofetoa, ‘Aisea Havea and Kaniteli Guttenbeil were found guilty of possession of cannabis seized in Popua. Heneli was sentenced to five and a half months imprisonment to run concurrent with the 32-months that he is already serving in prison.