Nuku‘alofa — Despite the theft involving goods valued at more than $16,000, the court took the victim’s forgiveness into account and sentenced the offender to two-and-a-half years in jail, with the final six months suspended.
The Supreme Court of Tonga has sentenced Aminiasi Fonua Liku for serious housebreaking and theft after he broke into the home of an elderly woman in Nukunuku.
Liku, who pleaded guilty on 27 November 2025, admitted entering the home of complainant Melenaite Taukolo on 19 July 2025 and stealing a large quantity of traditional Tongan goods, electronics, jewellery and personal items worth $16,490.
Among the items taken were multiple sets of ngatu, phones, a JBL speaker, earrings, and cologne products.
In a victim impact report presented to the Court, the elderly victim said she held no ill‑will towards Liku. The report noted that Liku and his family visited her twice to apologise, and she offered him advice about changing his behaviour.
All stolen items were later recovered and returned.
The Crown recommended a final sentence of three years for housebreaking and 16 months for theft, to run concurrently. Prosecutors argued against any suspension, citing Liku’s previous convictions for similar offences.
However, the defence submitted that Liku was remorseful, active in his church youth group, and supporting a young family. Letters of support from the Nukunuku Town Officer and the local Reverend were also provided.
A presentence report assessed Liku as being at high risk of reoffending, but recommended a partly suspended sentence with conditions.
Court’s Reasoning
Lord Chief Justice Macolm Bishop KC adopted a starting point of four years’ imprisonment for the housebreaking charge, reducing it to three years for the guilty plea and cooperation with police. For the theft charge, he imposed 14 months, also reduced for mitigation, and ordered it to be served concurrently.
While noting Liku’s age and the victim’s forgiveness, the Chief Justice stressed the need for deterrence, saying housebreaking cases had become increasingly common in Tonga, endangering the safety and privacy of citizens.
Despite Liku’s history of similar offending, the Court agreed to suspend the final six months of the sentence for two years, subject to strict conditions, including probation oversight, reporting requirements, and mandatory courses in alcohol/drug awareness and life skills.
The Court ordered Liku to serve two and a half years behind bars before the final six months are suspended for two years.
During the suspension period, he must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment, must report to the Probation Office within 48 hours of his release, reside where directed by probation authorities, and complete alcohol and drug awareness and life‑skills courses with the Salvation Army.
