Samuela Hafoka has been sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of theft.
However, the final 10 months of his sentence have been suspended for two years, contingent on his compliance with strict court-imposed conditions.
The court heard that on September 28, 2023, the complainant, Sione Poilangi Paea, parked his red Mazda vehicle (license C 27972) in front of Loumaile Lodge along Taufa’ahau Road before going inside.
After work, Mr. Paea visited Reload Bar, consumed alcohol, and took a taxi home.
In the early hours of the following morning, Hafoka allegedly found a set of car keys near Maseia Plaza. Spotting parked vehicles along Taufa’ahau Road, he pressed the key fob, unlocking Mr Paea’s Mazda, which he then drove away.
Mr Paea discovered his missing car at around 8am and reported the theft to police.
The vehicle, valued at $13,000, was later recovered on October 1, 2023, after police responded to a report in Kolofo’ou.
Hafoka, found heavily intoxicated, had driven the stolen car to Fetoa Lotaki’s residence. He was arrested for drunkenness, and the vehicle was seized.
Hafoka cooperated with authorities, admitting to the offense.
In sentencing, Justice Tupou ordered that the final 10 months of his 22-month term be suspended for two years, provided he adheres to the following conditions:
- Not committing any imprisonable offense during suspension
- Being placed on probation
- Reporting to probation services within 48 hours of release
- Completing a life skills or other court-directed program
Failure to comply could result in the suspension being revoked, requiring Hafoka to serve the remaining sentence. With remissions and conditional suspension, he is expected to serve 12 months in prison.
