The children of an old man from Kolomotuʻa have refused to sign his bail after he appeared in court on charges of sexually abusing a five and a 10-year-old child.
Koniseti ‘Akau’ola who is apparently in his 70s told Magistrate Folau Lokotui on November 21 he could not afford to hire a lawyer to represent him in court.
Lokotui said the offence he committed against the children was extremely bad.
He said ‘Akau’ola should ask his children to hire him a lawyer.
Tonga has no legal aid system for those who were unable to afford legal representation and access to the court system.
The widower said he has four children and they had visited him regularly while he was in jail.
He said none of them wanted to guarantee and bail him out.
‘Akau’ola was remanded in Police custody until his next trial date will be set.
