R v Pailate [2024] TOSC 20; CR 123-124 of 2023 (15 April 2024)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TONGA
CRIMINAL JURISDICTION
NUKU’ALOFA REGISTRY

CR 123-124 of 2023

REX

-v-

SOSEFO PAILATE
TANIELA FALEKAONO

ORDER

BEFORE: HON. COOPER J

Appearances: Mrs. T Vainikolo for the Prosecution
Ms. A. Kafoa for Sosefo Pailate
Mrs. F. Vaihu for Taneila Falekaono

Date: 15 April 2024

1. Today the jury reached their verdicts in this trial. At 1012 hrs the jury were sent out. At 1036 hrs they returned verdicts on all counts.

Directions:

Count 1	murder	not guilty
Count 2	manslaughter	not guilty
Count 3	serious bodily harm	not guilty

2. Both Mr. Falekaono and Mr Pailate were acquitted and found not guilty on all counts. Mr. Falekaono is to be released from custody. Mr. Pailate is discharged from the dock.
   

NUKU’ALOFA	N. J. Cooper
15 April 2024	J U D G E