Nuku’alofa — The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Pita Lolohea to a term of imprisonment for breaking into the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stealing electronic equipment and damaging government property during an incident in March 2025.
Lolohea pleaded guilty in November last year to serious housebreaking, theft and serious wilful damage.
The court heard that on 23 March 2025 he unlawfully entered the Ministry’s Kolofo’ou offices, where he stole a camera, two Apple tablets and four Samsung tablets worth a total of $14,756.
He also damaged six interior doors valued at $2,610. Police later recovered all the stolen items after executing a search warrant at his residence in Popua.
The Crown submitted sentencing recommendations that included a partially suspended imprisonment term, noting Lolohea’s early guilty plea and cooperation after arrest. Prosecutors also cited several previous decisions to guide the court’s consideration.
A presentence report from the Probation Office assessed Lolohea as a high risk to the community and recommended imprisonment. The report detailed his personal circumstances, including family responsibilities and the breakdown of his relationships following his remand in custody.
In sentencing, Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC emphasised the seriousness of breaking into and damaging a government building. He said the court had a duty not only to rehabilitate but also to deter others from similar offending.
However, he acknowledged Lolohea’s remorse, early plea and his cooperation with police. A letter from the Police Chaplain describing Lolohea’s character also influenced the court’s decision to consider partial suspension.
For serious housebreaking, the court imposed a sentence of three years’ imprisonment, with the final 18 months suspended for two years on conditions that include probation supervision, compliance with directions on residence, completion of an Alcohol and Drugs Awareness Course and reporting to Probation upon release.
For theft, Lolohea was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently. For wilful damage, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service within the suspension period.
The court clarified that Lolohea will serve a total of 18 months in prison, followed by a 12‑month suspended period, with the sentence backdated to reflect the time he has already spent in custody.
