Rex v Maea [2012] TOSC 74; CR 114 of 2012 (14 September 2012)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TONGA

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

NUKU'ALOFA REGISTRY

CR 114 of 2012

REX

v

FANGALONGONOA MAEA

BEFORE THE HON. JUSTICE CATO

SUMMARY OF SENTENCE DELIVERED ORALLY

The prisoner pleaded guilty to two counts of housebreaking contrary to S 173 (1) (b) of the Criminal Offences Act (Cap 18); and two counts of theft contrary to section 143 and 145 (a) of the Criminal Offences Act.

The offences were committed whilst he was on probation for an earlier housebreaking - property taken in total in excess of $6,000.00 - one of the offences was at night.

Youth of 20, pleaded guilty earliest opportunity - probation report suggest some hope of reforming - but for subjective factors sentence would have been 4 years imprisonment.

IT WAS ORDERED THAT THE PRISONER:

1. Be imprisoned on the housebreaking charges (served concurrently) for two years and eight months with the last 12 months suspended on the following conditions;

i. He is required in that period of suspension to undertake a life skill's course as directed by the probation office.

ii. A course on drug and alcohol abuse under the direction of the Salvation Army and the Probation Office.

iii. Commits no further offences punishable by the imprisonment for a period of 12 months.

2. On the theft charges 6 months imprisonment to be served concurrently with the housebreaking charges.

JUDGE

DATED: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012