A man has been convicted in the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court for one count of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl while her mother was in Australia on a seasonal fruit-picking visa.
The victim, whose identity is protected by court order, testified under oath about the pain she endured following the assault. She detailed how the Defendant repeatedly instructed her to remove her clothing on multiple occasions.
In one instance, while the victim and her younger brother were watching something on a mobile phone, the Defendant told her to come to his bed and wait for her brother to fall asleep.
Once her brother was asleep, the Defendant ordered her to remove her clothes, removed his trousers, and lay on top of her, instructing her to lie still.
The victim further testified that the Defendant sexually assaulted her, after which he told her to stand up, wipe herself, and put on her trousers.
The court heard that the assaults occurred during the absence of the victim’s mother, who had travelled to Australia for work. The mother testified about her trip and always admonished her daughter to tell the truth.
The Lord Chief Justice Bishop, presiding over the case, said: “I have heard that during the absence of the mother, there were occasions when the Defendant physically chastised the Complainant when she was disobedient.”
Medical evidence was presented in court, though it was not deemed decisive.
The court also heard that the victim and her younger brother lived with their mother and the Defendant at various addresses.
In delivering the verdict, Mr Bishop said: “I hereby find the Defendant guilty of the charge.”
He also issued a strict order prohibiting the publication or broadcast of any information that could reveal the victim’s identity.
The case has drawn significant public interest, highlighting the vulnerability of children in such circumstances and the importance of safeguarding their welfare.
