Nuku’alofa, Tonga – A tutor and probationary minister of the Free Wesleyan Church has been convicted of serious indecent assault against students at a school affiliated with the church.
The court found the accused guilty of multiple counts of serious sexual violation against female students.
Due to suppression orders, further specifics of the offences cannot be disclosed.
The case has sent shockwaves through the religious and educational communities, as the accused held a dual role as both a tutor and a probationary minister.
In a decisive ruling, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm imposed a complete publication ban on any details that could identify the survivors, citing Section 119 of Tonga’s Criminal Offences Act.
“Nothing in these proceedings that shall reveal the identities of the Complainants shall be published or broadcasted anywhere in the Kingdom pursuant to section 119 of the Criminal Offences Act.,” the judge declared.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Free Wesleyan Church will take additional disciplinary action.
The sentencing hearing is expected in the coming weeks.
The verdict comes just weeks after American missionary William James Purdy was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury (July 16) for allegedly sexually exploiting 14 boys in Tonga.
Purdy, arrested in Utah, faces charges related to crimes committed outside U.S. territory.
